THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Six BJP workers were injured in a clash with CPM activists during New Year celebrations at Chelayam near Aliyadu under the Venjaramoodu police station limits.
Police said the incident occurred around 12.30 am on Sunday near the Chelayam Bhagavathy Temple when a group of around 15 CPM workers were returning after New Year revelry. “The BJP workers too were having some celebrations there and the clash occurred after a verbal fight. Both the groups were suspected to be in an inebriated state,” the police said. The six BJP workers admitted to the Medical College Hospital are siblings Aswin Kumar and Arun Kumar of Shaiju Bhavan, Manoj Kumar of Manu Bhavan, Sajeesh Kumar of Usha Bhavan, Prajith of Prajith Bhavan and Vishnu of VS House; all hailing from Chelayam.
The CPM workers reportedly attacked their rivals using swords and knives. The condition of two persons - Manoj who was hacked on head and Aswani who suffered a stab injury on the front of neck - is said to be serious. Manoj is on ventilator support. Two CPM workers who suffered minor injuries sought first aid at the Kanyakulangara primary health centre.
Police have registered a case against eight persons and 15 others who could be identified on sight, all CPM workers. “Eight persons have been taken into custody. They are being interrogated and arrests would be recorded if they are found involved in the incident,” the police said on Sunday evening.
The accused are CPM-DYFI workers identified as Sreeraj, Lal alias Unni, Prasanth alias Shambu, Nandu, Rahul, Nandu Babu, Rajmohan and Pradeep. The BJP has called for a dawn-to-dusk hartal in Manikkal and Nellanad panchayats. The party alleged that the police were taking a soft stand towards the accused.