Man Arrested for Vandalizing UDF Candidate's Election Office in Thiruvananthapuram
In a significant incident of political violence, a 36-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing the election committee office of UDF Kovalam candidate M Vincent in Thiruvananthapuram. The damage is estimated at approximately Rs 2 lakh, as confirmed by police on Sunday morning.
Details of the Arrest and Incident
The accused, identified as Santosh, a native of Pulivila, was taken into custody from his residence in the afternoon, just hours after the vandalism occurred around 7:30 am. He was subsequently produced before the Neyyattinkara court and remanded in judicial custody. According to police reports, the office, which operates out of a lunch shop near Balaramapuram, was targeted when the security guard briefly left the premises in the morning.
Taking advantage of the guard's absence, Santosh allegedly entered the office and caused extensive damage. The vandalism included:
- Smashing equipment such as computers and a laptop containing crucial election-related data.
- Destroying a printer and lights within the office.
- Damaging flex boards, an archway, and other campaign materials installed outside.
- Vandalizing a campaign vehicle parked nearby.
Discovery and Response
The incident came to light when party workers and leaders arrived later and found the premises ransacked. A formal complaint was filed by election committee chairman Koliyoor Divakaran Nair and KPCC member Vincent D Paul, estimating the total loss at around Rs 2 lakh. Candidate M Vincent visited the site soon after to assess the damage personally.
Police investigation revealed that CCTV footage from nearby shops played a crucial role in identifying the accused. Santosh has also been named in an earlier case involving an attack on the candidate's vehicle, indicating a pattern of targeted aggression. After his arrest, he was taken to the scene for evidence collection.
Ongoing Investigation
Balaramapuram police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation into the matter. This incident highlights concerns over election-related violence and security lapses during campaign periods. Authorities are urging heightened vigilance to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
