Post-poll violence rocks Kerala; CPM, UDF activists booked

Kozhikode: Hours after the State Election Commission announced the local body election results, violence erupted in various parts of the state, particularly in northern districts, on Saturday night after CPM workers clashed with Congress activists. According to the police, clashes involving workers of various political parties were reported from Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

In Kozhikode district, CPM workers allegedly unleashed violence in Eramala and attacked Indira Gandhi Bhavan, a Congress office. According to an FIR registered at Edachery police station, around 200 people marched towards the Congress office carrying deadly weapons and vandalised the building, causing damage estimated at about ₹5 lakh.

A statue of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was also damaged in the attack, police said. Soon after the incident, UDF activists gathered at the spot, further escalating tensions. Police personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control.

Another incident was reported from Marad in Kozhikode, where stones were allegedly pelted at a UDF victory procession, leaving several persons injured.

In Wayanad district, around 40 CPM workers allegedly attacked a car in which a UDF activist and his family members were travelling at Sulthan Bathery. Police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

At the same time, Sulthan Bathery police also booked UDF activists in a separate case for allegedly attacking a CPM worker who objected to the bursting of firecrackers near his house.

Kannur district also reported violence from Panoor, a CPM stronghold. According to the police, houses of several Muslim League activists were allegedly attacked, and vehicles parked outside the houses were damaged. The violence reportedly broke out after a UDF victory rally was allegedly stopped by CPM workers armed with swords and daggers. Some UDF leaders sustained injuries in the clash.

It is alleged that CPM workers attempted to attack the people after LDF tasted defeat in the Parad grama panchayat elections. The UDF alleged that CPM workers threatened people with machetes and terrorised the village.

Clashes were also reported between UDF and LDF workers at Ulikkal in Kannur district. Police intervention later brought the situation under control, an officer at the Ulikkal police station said.

In Bedakam in Kasaragod district, an LDF victory march turned violent after CPM activists allegedly intercepted UDF workers passing through the area. Some police personnel who intervened sustained minor injuries.

Similar violence was reported from Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district following clashes between CPM and BJP workers. Police said workers from both sides sustained minor injuries and were admitted to hospitals. Cases will be registered after formal complaints are received, the police added.