The police have registered a suo moto case against seven Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] workers for allegedly preventing the former from carrying out their duties and making threats during a clash with BJP workers at the Manolikavu temple at Thiruvangad in the early hours of Thursday (February 19).

According to the complaint, the alleged altercation between CPI(M) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers occurred around 12.10 a.m. during the temple festival. The police intervention to control the situation was allegedly met with resistance from CPI(M) workers, who reportedly tried to prevent the officers from performing their duties.

The police registered a case against seven people including Dipin Ravindran, Joshith, Shijil, Vipin Chali, Sandesh Pradeep, Shibin, and Sineesh Raj. The case was registered under Sections 189(2), 191(2),132,121(1), 351(2), 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

BJP Kannur South district president Biju Erakuzhi condemned the incident, alleging that the police were being rendered helpless under the LDF rule.

“The alleged violence against the police led by local CPI(M) leaders during the festival indicates that the police force is unable to function freely. Despite attacks on officers and injuries, an FIR has not been registered against the actual culprits due to fear,” he said in a statement.