Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 14: Violence broke out at several places across Kerala, especially in northern districts, following the announcement of local body election results, police said on Sunday.
In Eramala area of Kozhikode district, tension prevailed through the night after the Congress office, Indira Gandhi Bhavan, was allegedly attacked by CPI(M) workers. According to an FIR registered at Edachery police station, around 200 people marched towards the Congress office carrying weapons and vandalised the premises, causing damage estimated at nearly Rs 5 lakh. A statue of former prime minister Indira Gandhi was also damaged in the attack.
Soon after the incident, UDF activists gathered at the spot, further escalating tensions. Police said the situation was later brought under control with the deployment of additional forces.
Another violent incident was reported from Marad, where stones were allegedly pelted at a UDF victory procession, leaving several people injured.
In Sultan Bathery in Wayanad district, police registered a case after a car carrying a UDF activist and his family members was allegedly attacked by around 40 CPI(M) workers. In a separate incident in the same area, UDF activists were booked for allegedly assaulting a CPI(M) worker who objected to bursting crackers near his residence.
In Kannur district’s Panoor area, houses of several Muslim League activists were allegedly attacked by CPI(M) workers, with vehicles parked outside also damaged. Police said the clashes erupted after a UDF victory rally was allegedly stopped by CPI(M) workers armed with swords and daggers, during which some UDF leaders sustained injuries.
Clashes were also reported between UDF and LDF workers at Ulikkal in Kannur district, though police intervention brought the situation under control later in the night.
In Bedakom area of Kasaragod district, an LDF victory procession turned violent after CPI(M) activists allegedly intercepted UDF workers. Some policemen who intervened suffered minor injuries.
Meanwhile, in Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district, clashes were reported between CPI(M) and BJP workers. Police said workers from both sides sustained minor injuries and were hospitalised. Cases will be registered after formal complaints are received, officials added.