Kozhikode, Kerala: The prevailing tension in Chaniyamkadavu, Vadakara in Kozhikode escalated on Wednesday after three steel bombs were recovered from a roadside culvert.

The explosives were found near the Shanthi Nagar road junction after local residents alerted authorities about a suspicious container.

Police recovered three steel bombs hidden inside a plastic bucket under the culvert. The devices were later shifted to the Kuningad quarry in Purameri, where they were safely defused.

Clash backdrop in sensitive area

The discovery came as clashes between CPM and IUML workers had already left three people seriously injured, with Assembly election results due on May 4.

Chaniyamkadavu is identified as a politically sensitive area with a history of repeated clashes between workers of the CPM and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The recovery has added to the tension.

Following the incident, law enforcement agencies have stepped up checks and monitoring across the region. The measures are aimed at preventing further violence or incidents.