MANGALURU: Amid opposition to the scheduled communal harmony rally organised by Communist Party of India (Marxist) at Nehru Maidan on February 25, miscreants set fire to the office of CPI(M) located at Thokkottu Olapete, on Wednesday night. Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to participate in the event, which has been opposed by the BJP.
Though the incident occurred late at night, it came to light only when the the leaders of CPI(M) visited the office on Thursday morning. Several documents related to beedi workers, construction labourers and others were gutted in the fire, according to a complaint.
Police suspect that the incident must be the handiwork of those who have opposed the visit of Pinarayi Vijayan to the scheduled rally and programme. It can be noted that BJP district unit has called for 'hartal' on Feb 25, opposing the presence and speech of Vijayan, claiming that hundreds of Hindu activists have been murdered and assaulted in Kerala, after he came to power.
Speaking to Express, CPI(M) leader Muneer Katipalla said that the loss was estimated at around Rs 1 lakh. "Though this incident might be orchestrated by those who are opposing the visit of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, we will go ahead with the scheduled rally. The programme will be held on the same day without any obstacle," he said.
A complaint has been registered at Ullal Police Station.