In a disturbing incident of political vandalism, the office of the Congress party's Karivellur mandalam committee in Kannur was targeted and ransacked by unidentified assailants on Sunday night. The attackers forcibly entered the premises, destroyed property, and set election campaign materials on fire.
Details of the Nighttime Attack
The incident occurred late on Sunday, after party workers had left the office following a night camp. This camp was part of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise conducted on instructions from the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). The vandalism came to light only on Monday morning when workers returned to the office. They found that the intruders had broken open the door, barged in, and deliberately set fire to crucial election campaign materials stored inside.
Political Allegations and Police Action
Congress leaders in the area have pointed fingers at workers of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM], alleging their involvement in the attack. Following a formal complaint from the party leaders, the Payyannur Police have registered a case and conducted a preliminary inspection of the vandalized site. This is not an isolated event in the politically volatile district. Notably, on the preceding Saturday night, another Congress office located in Kolassery near Pinarayi within Kannur was also reportedly vandalized. Police are investigating both incidents.
Condemnation and Counter-Claims
In response to the allegations, the CPM has condemned the attack on the Congress office. The CPM Vadakkumpadu local committee issued a statement claiming that "social miscreants" were behind the act. They urged the public to remain vigilant against such destructive occurrences, distancing the party from the event.
The back-to-back attacks on political offices in Kannur have heightened tensions in the region, highlighting the intense political rivalries as election activities intensify. The police investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the culprits responsible for the vandalism at the Karivellur mandalam committee office.
