Political Violence Erupts in Kerala: CPI(M) and SDPI Clash Results in Ambulance Arson

Thiruvananthapuram:

In Kerala's Nedumangad, violent clashes between the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the CPI(M) resulted in one ambulance being completely torched and another damaged, according to police reports on Monday.

The confrontation began after an attack on the CPI(M) branch secretary Sunday evening. Later that night, unidentified individuals targeted homes of SDPI workers and vandalized an SDPI ambulance. In an apparent act of retaliation, attackers set a DYFI Redcare ambulance ablaze.

A timeline of the incidents shows the rapid escalation of violence. At approximately 9 pm on October 19, CPI(M) leader Deepu was assaulted by a group at Azhikode junction while shopping for groceries. He sustained serious injuries and was immediately hospitalized.

Around 11 pm the same night, a seven-person gang launched explosives at an SDPI official's residence, causing significant damage to an ambulance, a car, two motorcycles, and the house structure. The family avoided harm as they were not present during the attack.

By midnight, attackers had set fire to a DYFI Redcare ambulance stationed in front of Nedumangad District Hospital. The flames spread to another nearby ambulance, though its driver managed to escape. Police officials noted that one vehicle contained an oxygen cylinder that could have potentially caused a major explosion. Local drivers and community members worked quickly to move other vehicles to safety, though part of the ambulance was severely burned.

The underlying conflict reportedly originated from disputes over flex board installations. SDPI members have accused the CPI(M) of failing to demolish a wall during the Kummipally-Malassery road development project, which further intensified tensions when both groups clashed over the placement of organizational boards. Despite police attempts to mediate, the violence continued to escalate.

Law enforcement has registered cases against both political groups. Minister GR Anil issued a stern warning, stating that strict action would be taken regardless of political affiliations. "Police must take such incidents seriously," he emphasized.

Local residents confirmed that tensions between the parties had been building for some time and intensified as local body elections approached.