Shashi Tharoor Convoy Stopped in Kerala's Malappuram, Security Personnel Allegedly Assaulted During Campaign

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's convoy was stopped and members of his security team were allegedly assaulted in Kerala's Malappuram district on Friday evening, police said. One person has been detained and an investigation is underway.

The incident occurred around 7.30 pm near Chellithode bridge at Thiruvali in Wandoor, when Tharoor was on his way to attend an election campaign event of Congress leader AP Anilkumar. According to officials, vehicles linked to a five-member group blocked the convoy on a narrow stretch of road, triggering a confrontation.

What happened at the spot

As per the First Information Report, the accused arrived in two vehicles and allegedly obstructed the MP's car. When Tharoor's gunman attempted to clear the route, both the gunman and the driver were reportedly attacked.

Police said the road was narrow, and the security team had asked the vehicle ahead to move, which escalated into the alleged assault.

Case registered, probe underway

A case has been registered at Wandoor Police Station based on a complaint filed by Tharoor's gunman, Ratheesh K P. Authorities confirmed that one person has been detained while efforts are ongoing to identify and question others involved.

Tharoor responds

Tharoor later said he was safe and continued with his scheduled events. In a post on X, he wrote that he was "touched by all the messages and calls" expressing concern.

"My security guard was attacked. He is well and I was untouched. We carried on undaunted and concluded two more events as planned. Our programme remains unaffected."

Election backdrop

The incident comes amid intense campaigning ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections. The state will vote in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.

With political activity at its peak, the episode has drawn attention to campaign security and tensions on the ground in key constituencies.