During a period of heightened political tension following the local body elections in Kerala, a violent incident was reported in Mambaram, Kannur, where a United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate and her booth agent were brutally attacked by a masked gang.
- The Incident: The victims were identified as Sheena T (UDF candidate for Vengad Panchayat’s 16th ward) and her agent, Narendra Babu. The attack, which was captured on video, occurred inside the public service center owned by Babu. The gang, allegedly consisting of four to five masked individuals, barged into the office, severely thrashed Babu, and struck the candidate, Sheena, when she attempted to intervene. They also damaged property inside the center.
- Allegations: The Congress party and UDF leaders have unequivocally blamed Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] cadres for orchestrating the assault, alleging that the attack was an act of vengeance related to previous altercations, including an incident involving prevention of alleged bogus voting.
- Political Reaction: The District Congress Committee (DCC) president condemned the violence, alleging that the CPM was unleashing street violence against UDF candidates, especially women, across Kannur. They also sharply criticized the local police for what they termed an “inactive” response and a failure to take strict action against the attackers.
The injured candidate and agent were admitted to the Indira Gandhi Co-operative Hospital in Thalassery. The attack underscores the severe political clashes and violence that frequently characterize elections in parts of Kannur.