Kerala: Violence Intensifies After Death Of Muslim League Worker; Over 10 CPI-M Offices Burnt In Kannur District

The post-poll violence escalated on Wednesday (7 April) in Kannur district of Kerala, one day after a 22-year-old Muslim League worker Mansur was hacked to death in violence that broke out after the conclusion of polling at the Kuthuparamba region of the district.

As per the report, at least 10 Left party offices were vandalised in Kannur district in the widespread violence that ensued during Mansur’s funeral procession.

District Collector T V Subhash has called an all-party peace meeting at 11 am on Thursday.

Kannur Superintendent of Police Ilango R reportedly told PTI that police resorted to baton charge and used grenades to dismiss the violent crowd in the Kolavellur police station limits.

"Around five-six persons, mostly IUML workers, were taken into custody after some miscreants have vandalised around five-party offices in Chockli and Kolavellur police station limits. A few more were also attacked in other places”, he said.

Three police personnel were injured in the incident and a police bus was damaged.

According to the report, the CPI(M) Peringathur local committee office, branch committee offices in the town, Aachimukku, Keezhmadam, Kochiyangado and Kadavathur branch committee offices have been vandalised and a few libraries were burned down allegedly by the Indian Union Muslim League workers.

A CPI party official informed PTI that at least five of their offices were burnt down by IUML members. “Even though the police claim that everything was under control, the Muslim League workers are threatening the CPI(M) families," he added.

The Tuesday Night Incident

As soon as the voting ended in Kerala on Tuesday night, violence broke out at Kannur -- the strongest bastion of the CPI-M -- between the Left workers and members of the Indian Union Muslim League that led to the death of an IUML worker, while his brother is being treated at a hospital in Kozhikode.

The incident occurred at Kuthuparampu in Kannur district. There were reports of friction existing before the polling day and on Tuesday it increased after the voting time got over.

According to the reports, a group of people reached the house of Manzoor and his brother Moshin. Crude bomb was thrown which injured the brothers. One of the attackers was caught and was handed over to the police.

The brothers were taken to a nearby hospital and from there to Kozhikode Medical College where Manzoor died soon after midnight.

"The CPI-M has to give an answer on why this crime was undertaken. Moshin has injuries and is under treatment," said a close associate of the brothers.