KOZHIKODE: Kozhikode Rural police have arrested four persons in connection with the political violence cases reported after the announcement of Lok Sabha election results. Vadakara police booked three persons and Valayam police have arrested one in connection with the clashes between CPM and IUML workers.
The police have also identified the people behind all political clashes reported in the area since May 23. A probe has been launched to arrest the remaining persons, who are absconding.
“The investigation is progressing and we have identified all accused,” said district police chief, Kozhikode Rural, U Abdul Kareem. A special team will probe the seizure of explosives from Valayam and pipe bombs from Nadapuram.
The delay on the part of the police in arresting the real culprits behind political clashes and bomb attacks in area has invited criticism.
“Some of the accused are absconding,” said Prince Abraham, DSP, Nadapuram. The seven-member special squad is probing all politically motivated attacks in the region, he said.
According to police, the ongoing rift between CPM and IUML workers in the region is the key cause for the recent attacks. Bomb was hurled at a house and stones were pelted at another house after May 23.
In the meantime, the police team is yet to identify the persons who had stored large quantities of explosive substances at Pallimukku near Valayam.
On Saturday morning, 20 country bombs, two steel bombs and 400g explosive powder were seized from Valayam.
The police team will also probe into the seizure of 13 pipe bombs and three steel bombs from Nadapuram fire and rescue station premises in the first week of May. PVC pipes were used to manufacture the pipe bombs.
Tension is prevailing in the area following sporadic incidents of violence, despite prohibitory orders.
Prohibitory orders were clamped by the district collector under the jurisdiction of Vadakara, Chombala, Valayam, Nadapuram, Edacheri, Kuttiady, Koyilandy and Perambra police stations, which will be in force in till Monday morning.
A bomb explosion at Theurvamparamba near Nadapuram on Saturday night has spread panic among the residents.
“The situation is under control and police are camping in the area,” said Kareem. It is unlikely to recommend the extension of prohibitory orders, the official added.
Political tension is prevailing in Perumanna in the city police district limit also. The BJP campaign committee office at Payyadi Meethal was attacked allegedly by a group of CPM workers in the wee hours on Saturday.
The police have booked a case on the basis of complaints by CPM and BJP workers, said police.
