An RSS worker was arrested after a Christmas carol group comprising children was allegedly attacked while visiting houses in Pudussery, Palakkad district, on Monday, raising concern over the safety of festive activities.

The incident took place on Sunday night when the carol group was moving from house to house among the faithful. According to the complaint, the accused confronted the group and destroyed their band set and other articles used for the programme.

The accused has been identified as Ashwin Raj, a native of Kalandithara in Pudussery. He was arrested by Kasaba police.It is learnt that two other persons were also present with him at the time of the incident.

Objection over ‘CPI(M)’ writing on drum

As per the complaint, the attack followed the accused questioning the ‘CPI(M)’ writing on the drum used by the carol group.

The incident occurred when the group reached an area called Surabhinagar.

After the confrontation, the children abandoned the drum and ran to safety. When they returned later, the instruments were found damaged.

The matter was subsequently reported at the Kasaba police station, following which a case was registered and the accused was taken into custody.

“He is already an accused under Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. In the present case, he was booked under multiple sections of the BNS,” a police officer said.

Police said Sections 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) were imposed against the accused.