Post-poll violence erupts across Kerala after local body election results

Widespread violence was reported from several parts of Kerala, particularly in northern districts, late Sunday night following the announcement of local body election results, prompting heavy police deployment to restore order.

In Kozhikode district’s Eramala area , tension gripped the locality after the Indira Gandhi Bhavan, a Congress party office, was allegedly attacked by CPI(M) workers. According to an FIR registered at the Edachery police station, around 200 people allegedly marched towards the office carrying dangerous weapons and vandalised the building, causing damage estimated at nearly ₹5 lakh. A statue of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi installed on the premises was also damaged in the attack.

Soon after the incident, United Democratic Front (UDF) activists gathered at the spot, further escalating tensions. Police said additional forces were rushed to the area and the situation was eventually brought under control. No arrests were confirmed till late night, though police said investigations were underway and those identified through CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts would be booked.

Another violent incident was reported from Marad in Kozhikode district , where stones were allegedly hurled at a UDF victory procession, leaving several persons injured. Police said the injured were taken to nearby hospitals and their condition was stated to be stable. Cases will be registered after receiving formal complaints, officials said.

In Sultan Bathery in Wayanad district , police registered a case after a car carrying a UDF activist and his family members was allegedly attacked by around 40 CPI(M) workers. The vehicle sustained damage, though no serious injuries were reported. In a separate incident in the same town, Sultan Bathery police also booked UDF activists for allegedly attacking a CPI(M) worker who objected to the bursting of crackers near his residence.

Kannur district

witnessed multiple clashes. In Panoor , houses belonging to several Muslim League activists were allegedly attacked, and vehicles parked on the premises were damaged. Police said the violence broke out after a UDF victory rally was allegedly stopped by CPI(M) workers armed with swords and daggers, triggering a clash in which some UDF leaders sustained injuries. No arrests were reported immediately, but police said patrols had been intensified in the area.

Clashes were also reported from Ulikkal in Kannur district between UDF and LDF workers. Police intervention helped bring the situation under control later in the night, an officer at the Ulikkal police station said.

In Bedakom in Kasaragod district , an LDF victory march allegedly turned violent after CPI(M) activists intercepted UDF workers passing through the area. Police personnel who intervened to disperse the crowd suffered minor injuries. Officials said cases would be registered based on complaints and medical reports.

Meanwhile, in Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district , clashes broke out between CPI(M) and BJP workers following the declaration of results. Police said workers from both sides sustained minor injuries and were admitted to hospitals. No arrests were confirmed, with officials stating that action would be taken after verifying complaints.

Senior police officials said the situation across the state was now under control, though security has been tightened in sensitive areas. “Preventive measures are in place, and strict action will be taken against those responsible for violence, irrespective of political affiliation,” a police officer said.