Thamarassery violence over poultry waste: Police book case against DYFI leader; over 30 face attempt-to-murder charges

Kozhikode: Police have registered a case against DYFI (ruling CPM’s youth front) Thamarassery Block President Mehroof as the main accused in the violent clashes at the Fresh Cut waste processing plant in Kattippara-Ambayathode. A total of four FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident.

Over 30 people face charges including attempt to murder for attacking police officers, while over 300 others are booked for obstructing police duties, blocking roads, and inciting violence. Police have begun efforts to identify and take into custody those involved, though many remain in hiding.

How did the clash escalate?

The protest began as a peaceful road blockade by the local Janakeeya Samaras Samithi (People's protest forum) near the Fresh Cut chicken and waste processing plant. Tensions rose in the afternoon when police attempted to allow a waste-laden vehicle to enter the plant.

Police, led by Rural SP K.E. Baiju, tried to remove protesters. Angry protesters pelted stones at the police. Even things brought to cook food at the protest site were thrown at the police.

Police resorted to lathi charge and tear gas to disperse crowds. Despite repeated attempts, the Samithi continued demonstrations near the plant, prompting multiple rounds of tear gas and grenades.

Injuries and damage

The violence left 22 police personnel, including Rural SP, Perambra DYSP, and Thamarassery Inspector, injured. Many residents were also hurt, including five children. A total of 28 people sought treatment at Thamarassery Government Taluk Hospital, with others treated at private hospitals in Omassery and Kozhikode Medical College.

Protesters entered the Fresh Cut plant, destroying equipment and the waste storage centre, and assaulted staff. They set 13 vehicles ablaze and damaged three others. A fire truck sent to the plant was blocked for over an hour. Police maintained a heavy presence overnight, with Kannur Range DIG Yathish Chandra arriving at the scene.

In response, the Janakeeya Samithi has called a hartal from 6 am to 6 pm on Wednesday across areas near the Fresh Cut plant, including Thamarassery, Omassery, and Kodenchery panchayats.