Clashes break out in Kerala’s Kannur over raksha bandhan celebration; four injured

RSS-BJP workers were allegedly assaulted by CPI(M) activists as they left a house after a raksha bandhan celebration near Kayaralam Gopalan Peedika at Mayyil panchayat in Kannur, Kerala, on Wednesday night.

The BJP alleged that over 100 CPI(M) members gheraoed the house and assaulted those at the venue. They allegedly stopped vehicles on the road, beating two-wheeler riders and attacked passers-by who were unaware of the disturbance.

Four people suffered injuries in the incident. While, Rajith, an RSS worker, has been admitted to hospital, others returned home after receiving treatment. Among those injured includes Soman, a former CPI(M) branch secretary, who joined the BJP in April.

BJP Kannur North district president K.K. Vinodkumar termed it a deliberate assault and demanded that action be taken against those responsible.

However, the CPI(M) denied the allegations, citing that many people objected to the move to celebrate raksha bandhan inside a temple at the place.

Ranil Nambaram, CPI(M) area committee member, said the BJP-RSS members initially decided to organise the event inside the temple, which is governed by the committee headed by Soman. However, this was strongly resisted by the locals, leading to heated arguments and skirmishes.

The Mayyil police have registered a case against 25 people in connection with the incident.