In Kazhakoottam, LDF candidate and Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran has accused Kerala police officers of pleasing BJP, while adding that the police action has to be probed. This is in connection with the detainment of several people associated with the violence at Kattayikonnam. Surendran said the clash was to stifle voting.
The clashes between CPM and BJP activists in Kattayikonnam in the morning also led to more violence in the evening. BJP workers who arrived in a car attacked CPM workers and two left activists were injured in the attack. The attackers also smashed the vehicle in which the CPM activists were travelling. Meanwhile, CPM activists blocked the police’s attempt to change the vehicle.
A large police contingent is camping in the area as tensions continue. The BJP had complained that booth agents were attacked by CPM activists, alleging that booth agents attacked women and injured one person in the morning. Pothencode police reached the spot and calmed down the situation.
BJP leaders, including Kazhakoottam BJP candidate Sobha Surendran, had reached the spot after cancelling her vote in Thrissur. She alleged that BJP workers had been attacked in Kattayikonnam in the past. Five complaints have already been lodged in this regard. Sobha alleged that the attack was carried out with the support of a section of policemen on behalf of Kadakampally Surendran and added that the police are taking a stand to protect the aggressors. Sobha Surendran had demanded that the criminals be immediately taken into custody.
