Political violence: Death toll reaches to seven

Kannur, Mar 8 (UNI) The death toll in political violence in and around Thalassery during the past four days rose to seven with the death of one more person early today.

Police said BJP worker K V Surendran (61), who was attacked by a group of people, allegedly CPI(M) activists, at his house in Illathuthazhe near Thalassery late last night, succumbed to his injuries at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

A hartal-like situation prevailed in Thalassery, the constituency of state Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who is expected to visit the trouble-torn area later today.

The fresh bout of violence was triggered by the hacking of an RSS leader on March 5, leading to the killing of five RSS/BJP activists and two CPI(M) supporters.

Meanwhile, two CPI(M) activists suffered serious stab injuries when they were attacked by a group of political opponents at the new bus stand at Thalassery early today.

The Police said, the injured Sameer(30) and Rias(25), both CITU loading workers, were admitted to hospital in serious condition.

Two BJP activists were taken into custody for carrying swords at Kalluvalayil under Kolavallur police limits early today, police added.

Another RSS activist N Sajeevan (30) suffered serious stab injuries on his shoulders and left eye while his pillion rider Sudheer Kumar suffered minor injuries, when they were attacked with country bombs and swords by a rival gang, at Kunnoth Paramba near Puthur under Panur police limits, late last night.

In a retaliatory attack, a CPI(M) worker Viajayan (52) and his daughter Ramya (21) suffered stab injuries when a four-member gang attacked them with swords at Nagarath Peedika under Chokli police limits.

Thalassery Municipal vice-chairman and CPI(M) leader P Muhammed Ali's house was attacked by suspected RSS/BJP activists, damaging the window panes by hurling country made bombs on late last night.

Several houses were attacked by rival groups in Kolasseery, Kavubagam, Dharmodam, Vadakumbat, Bavachimukku and Kathirur areas.

Meanwhile, District Collector Ishitha Roy convened a meeting late last night with the district leaders of BJP/RSS and CPI(M) to restore peace.

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