Explosive hurled at Kannur BJP worker’s residence, probe intensified ahead of polls

Police in Kathirur, Kannur district of Kerala have intensified their investigation after an explosive device was hurled at the residence of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker just days before the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for April 9 . The attack has underscored rising tensions in parts of northern Kerala as political campaigning enters its final phase.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) and police statements, the incident took place on Sunday evening around 8:50 pm outside the home of Majisha Pathayakunnu at Konkachi near Kadirur . Two unidentified persons allegedly approached her house, shouted abusive words at her and then hurled an explosive device that detonated with a loud bang, startling neighbours but causing no reported fatalities or major injuries.

The Kadirur police have registered a case based on Pathayakunnu’s complaint and are actively seeking to identify and apprehend the suspects involved. Forensic teams have been called in to examine the remnants of the device to determine whether it was a simple firecracker or a more dangerous country‑made bomb . Investigators are also examining whether the attack was politically motivated given its timing just days before polling.

Law‑and‑order officials noted that the blast occurred while members of Pathayakunnu’s family were inside the house, raising further concern about political violence affecting ordinary residents. Police have begun collecting evidence, questioning witnesses and reviewing any available leads that could help identify the perpetrators.

The attack comes amid a charged election atmosphere in Kerala, where the single‑phase assembly elections will be held on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4 and the current assembly’s term ending on May 23. Multiple parties and alliances are vying for power, including the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by the Indian National Congress , alongside the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by the BJP.

Political observers say such incidents, while not widespread, add to the sense of unease in certain areas of the state that have experienced periodic flare‑ups of political violence in the past. Authorities have indicated they will step up patrols and surveillance in sensitive constituencies to prevent further escalation during the final days of campaigning.