High security in place to ensure peaceful counting in Kozhikode

The politically sensitive areas in Kozhikode district have been placed under an extensive security blanket again as part of the preparations in place to counter incidents of violence and unhealthy celebrations after the announcement of local body election results. Areas that witnessed tensions and isolated clashes during the election campaign and the day of polling will be brought under the close surveillance of Rapid Action Force.    

The support of more than 7,000 police officers will be ensured across the district to maintain law and order. Armed police personnel from various battalions will be on duty near the 20 counting centres in the district, with senior police officers conducting detailed reviews of the arrangement on Friday (December 13, 2025). Instructions were also issued to various Station House Officers to closely monitor ground-level developments and ensure rapid intervention in the event of disturbances.

Recently constituted patrol squads will be active for two more days with their day-and-night rounds in Nadapuram, Kuttiyadi, Vadakara, Valayam, Edachery, and Chombal. Vehicle inspections will also be stepped up with the support of local squads, particularly in areas prone to street scuffles during celebrations.

Although no prohibitory orders have been issued, the police have decided to discourage mass gatherings, provocative demonstrations and sloganeering in sensitive locations. Flash inspections will be continued in areas where clashes broke out between LDF, UDF and NDA activists during the election campaigns.

As part of intensified cyber patrol, any provocative social media posts inciting unrest or violence will be immediately reported to the cyber cell for action. Cyber wings of various political parties have also asked their volunteers to stay alert and identify inflammatory content, as some of the recent clashes were linked to provocative online content.

Police have also warned that the use of high-powered firecrackers in unpermitted areas or attempts to disrupt vehicular traffic will invite strict legal action. To reinforce safety measures, camera surveillance has been activated in many vulnerable areas, while bomb detection and disposal units and dog squads have completed multiple rounds of inspections at public venues.