A clash broke out between cadres of various political parties and the police in Nadapuram of Kozhikode during the local polls on Monday. Police forces used a tear gas shell and stun grenades to disperse the crowd that gathered near a polling booth in Nadapuram.
The incident happened around 12 pm near Chiyoor LP school in Nadapuram. Two polling booths were set up in the school for the voters of 4 panchayath wards. Police were trying to disperse the crowd that mainly consisted of political party workers who had gathered at the booth, which resulted in a clash. A few members of the Indian Union Mulism League were unwilling to disperse, and soon others joined them and attacked policemen and police vehicles. The Nadapuram Sub Inspector few other policemen were injured and their vehicles sustained damages in the clash.
Case has been filed against at least 50 persons for attempt to murder and for destruction of public property.
After the clash, Nadapuram MLA EK Vijayan called a meeting of the Left Democratic Front, and United Democratic Front leaders to ensure peace. Following this, leaders of both fronts coordinated to convince those voters who have already cast votes to go back home, while others were allowed to remain in the polling booth.
Local UDF leaders alleged that it was the police who provoked the party workers. They also claim that many of the Indian Union of Muslim League workers were injured in the clash. But police said that party workers were not ready to disperse even after repeated requests which resulted in the issue. Reports also said that the party workers threw stones at the police in the beginning. Some visuals that have emerged from the area show the police asking the crowd to disperse, but they were unwilling.
Though senior police officers had announced that they would visit the area, the visit was cancelled as the situation turned peaceful later.