Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Three policemen were injured after a clash between BJP and CPM workers over a property dispute between two relatives in Malamukal, Nettayam, on Sunday night, officials said on Monday.

Vattiyoorkavu Police Station registered a case against 94 BJP and CPM workers in connection with the clash. The incident took place near St Sebastian’s Church at around 8.30 pm after police received information about a confrontation between the two groups.

According to the FIR, Civil Police Officers Deepu and Shibu, along with Station House Officer Vipin AC of Vattiyoorkavu police station, sustained injuries during the intervention.

A CPM worker allegedly struck CPO Deepu on the head with a stone, while SHO Vipin AC was attacked by a BJP worker. CPO Shibu was also assaulted with a stick, the FIR stated.

Property dispute escalates into group violence and protest

Police officials said the incident originated from a land dispute between two relatives—one a BJP worker and the other a CPM supporter—who had filed complaints and counter-complaints against each other.

The situation escalated after supporters from both sides intervened and clashed, during which the police team that reached the spot was also attacked.

Following the incident, BJP workers gathered outside Vattiyoorkavu police station late Sunday night, alleging that action had been taken only against their party members. Television reporters who arrived at the scene were also questioned by the protesting workers.

Police later registered a separate case against over 100 BJP workers in connection with the protest.

Detentions, medical checks and tense developments

On Monday noon, six BJP workers were taken into custody from a temple premises in Edapazhanji in connection with the attack on police officials.

After being brought to the Armed Reserve Police camp, BJP workers staged a protest outside, alleging that those detained were physically assaulted in custody.

In the evening, when the detained persons were taken to Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital for medical examination, BJP workers surrounded the police bus and demanded action against policemen who allegedly assaulted them.

The situation was brought under control after senior police officers reached the spot and held discussions with BJP leaders.