CPM branch secretary arrested for hacking Youth Congress worker in election victory celebration dispute in Idukki
Prince, who had sustained a head injury, reportedly fell from a stone embankment to a lower level while attempting to escape, suffering further injuries.
Prince, who had sustained a head injury, reportedly fell from a stone embankment to a lower level while attempting to escape, suffering further injuries.
Prince, who had sustained a head injury, reportedly fell from a stone embankment to a lower level while attempting to escape, suffering further injuries.
Kattappana: CPM's Kunthalampara branch secretary, Aarikuzhiyil Vishnu (34), was arrested here in connection with the attack on a Youth Congress worker over a dispute triggered by bursting firecrackers in celebration of a local body election victory.
The incident happened around 10.30 pm on Sunday at Vattukunnelpadi, Kunthalampara, within the Kattappana police station limits, where an LDF councillor candidate had won in the recent local body elections. Tensions had been simmering since then, with allegations of threats to the Congress ward president and disputes over bursting firecrackers in front of houses.
On Sunday night, an argument broke out between LDF and UDF workers over the bursting of firecrackers. What was initially a verbal altercation between Prince James (28) and Vishnu's brother escalated, with Vishnu allegedly arriving at the scene, wielding a sickle and attacking Prince.
Prince, who had sustained a head injury, reportedly fell from a stone embankment to a lower level while attempting to escape, suffering further injuries.
Following the incident, the police arrested Vishnu and said that a case of attempted murder had been registered against him. He has been taken into custody and will be produced before the court.
Congress demands response from CPM leadership
Condemning the incident, Congress Kattappana mandalam president Siju Chakkummoottil alleged that party workers are facing repeated attacks in several places following the declaration of election results. He demanded that the CPM leadership take responsibility for the attempted murder allegedly carried out under its branch secretary's leadership. He also announced a UDF protest meeting that will be held at Vattukunnelpadi on Tuesday at 5 pm.
CPM denies political motive
Rejecting the allegations, CPM Kattappana area secretary Mathew George said the incident was a clash between residents of the locality and should be viewed as such rather than politicised. He accused the Congress of attempting to give a political colour to a local dispute that occurred several days after the elections.