The election campaign office of Suresh Gopi, the NDA candidate from Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency was attacked on Monday.
Flag posts, posters of the candidate and election campaigning items stored in the campaign office at Mukkattukara in Thrissur city was destroyed in the attack which took place at around 2 am. Mannuthy police has registered a case based on the incident.
Mannuthy police told TNM that a case has been registered under Section 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and Section 427 (Mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees) of the Indian Penal Code.
BJP workers in the area have alleged that CPI(M) members are responsible for the attack.
“Our workers were in the office till midnight, so the attack has been carried out after 1 am on Monday. NDA has a very good influence among the people here. Those parties which does not like our growth in the constituency is responsible for the attack and we believe it is the CPI(M),” Vinod, local BJP leader told media.
He also alleged that CCTV footage from around the area has revealed a group of people going near the office at around 2 am on Monday.
Police officials told TNM that no one has been named in the FIR as it was not clear who was responsible for the attack.
Actor Suresh Gopi's candidature was a last minute announcement by the NDA after Tushar Vellappaly, whose name was first announced, was moved to Wayanad. Thought Suresh Gopi has not been campaigning as long as the other candidates have been, most opinion polls have said that he has caused a last minute positive surge for the BJP.
Suresh Gopi was under fire for using the name of Sabarimala diety in one of his election campaigns. Thrissur District Collector and Returning Officer TV Anupama had served the candidate a notice asking him to give an explanation. Chief Election Officer Teeka Ram Meena also said that Suresh Gopi had violated the model code of conduct.
CEO even supported District Collector TV Anupama saying that there was no need for anyone to teach the Collector about the guidelines.