Thrissur: Police stopped the ‘Bharat Rice’ distribution in the seventh ward of Mullassery panchayat. The incident happened on Monday noon. The police justified their action citing the by-election to be held in the region on Thursday. According to them, distribution of rice, only a couple of days before the polls, stands in violation of the code of conduct. The rice was transported to the location from the Kochi branch of NCCF in a lorry. 

The LDF workers protested against the rice distribution by saying that it was against the election code of conduct. As the distribution was stopped, tensions arose between BJP activists and the cops. Soon, the Election Officer, who is also the Chavakkad Sub Registrar, arrived at the spot to pacify the situation. The issue was brought to the notice of the District Collector as well. The vehicle was duly sent back upon the instruction of the Collector.

However, the distribution of rice was carried out in the Tholur Panchayat, which is located half-a-kilometer away from the earlier place. 

Meanwhile, BJP leaders alleged that “disrupting distribution of Bharat rice was politically motivated. They claimed the act was nothing but violation of human rights.

BJP district president KK Aneeshkumar sought an explanation from the concerned officials on the incident.