News Brief
Kerala: CPI(M)-SDPI Clash Turns Violent, Explosives Hurled, Ambulance Torched
Locals said tension between the two parties had been simmering for weeks and appeared to intensify ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
A violent confrontation between workers of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) left two ambulances damaged, one of them set ablaze in Kerala’s Nedumangad late on Sunday, the police confirmed on Monday (20 October).
The violence erupted after CPI(M) branch secretary Deepu was brutally attacked near Azhikode junction around 9 pm on 19 October while buying groceries. He was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Within hours, retaliation followed, according to NDTV report.
Around 11 pm, a seven-member gang hurled explosives at the residence of an SDPI office bearer, destroying parts of the house and damaging an ambulance, a car and two motorcycles parked nearby. Fortunately, the family escaped unharmed as they were not at home.
By midnight, the situation had spiralled. Attackers torched a DYFI Redcare ambulance parked outside Nedumangad District Hospital. Another ambulance parked close by was also damaged in the blaze, though its driver managed to escape.
Police noted that the DYFI vehicle contained an oxygen cylinder, which could have caused a major explosion. Local drivers and residents acted swiftly, moving other vehicles away, but part of the ambulance was completely gutted.
Efforts by the police to mediate between both sides failed, and the conflict soon escalated into full-blown violence.
Law enforcement has since registered cases against both groups involved. Kerala’s Minister G R Anil condemned the violence, warning that police must take such incidents seriously. He added that strict action would be taken irrespective of political affiliations.
Locals said tension between the two parties had been simmering for weeks and appeared to intensify ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
