LDF candidate attacked in Alappuzha; six BJP–RSS activists booked

Alappuzha: K R Ramjith, the LDF candidate from the Veliyanad division of the Alappuzha district panchayat, was allegedly attacked by a group of BJP and RSS activists on Monday night, sustaining serious head injuries. Kainadi police have registered a case of attempt to murder and booked six persons in connection with the incident.

The accused are Vinayachandran, Rakesh Panicker, Adil Ravi, Sanooj, and Abhijith, all natives of Kizhakkechennamkari in Alappuzha district.

Ramjith, who is also the DYFI district joint secretary, is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam. According to hospital sources, he suffered severe head injuries and required nine stitches.

In the local body elections, Ramjith was defeated by a UDF candidate in the Veliyanad division of Alappuzha district panchayat. The BJP won power in the Neelamperoor panchayat, where Ramjith resides. BJP workers reportedly burst crackers near Ramjith’s house while celebrating their victory. A quarrel allegedly broke out when Ramjith questioned them, which is suspected to have led to the attack.

Speaking to Onmanorama, an official at the Kainadi police station said an investigation is underway and no arrests have been made so far. He added that the probe team would get a clear picture of the incident by Tuesday evening. 

According to the FIR, Ramjith and his friend were intercepted by a six-member group of assailants and brutally assaulted near the Kizhakkechennamkari Madathil temple around 9.15 pm on Monday. The first accused, Vinayachandran, allegedly attacked Ramjith on the head with a weapon. The complaint also alleges that the accused issued death threats to Ramjith and his friend.

Kerala has been reporting numerous political violence cases following the Kerala Local Body Election Results.