In yet another case of alleged political violence in Kerala, a Students Federation of India (SFI) leader was attacked in Kannur.
19-year-old Kiran, an SFI leader, was attacked in the wee hours of Sunday, reportedly by a gang of 15 persons.
The attack happened in Kannur's Thaliparamba, outside Thrichambaram temple at around 3am, said police. Kiran, who was accompanied by three others, sustained stab injuries on his chest and leg and has been admitted to the hospital.
According to reports, the local CPI (M) has accused BJP members of being involved in the crime.
Thaliparamba Sub-Inspector told TNM that the police have taken four BJP members into custody with regard to the crime.
"We have filed a case under section 307 (attempt to murder) and have taken four into custody. We are in the process of questioning them. We took them to into custody since they were present at the spot, when Kiran was attacked," the SI said.
While several news reports stated that Kiran was stabbed following a clash with BJP members, the police said that they are yet to ascertain what led to the attack.
"We will record Kiran's statement in a while and only then will be able to know what transpired," the police said.
The latest case comes just weeks after a Youth Congress member Shuhaib was hacked to death in the district. Four CPI (M) men were arrested in that case. Shuhaib's murder has caused widespread political unrest in the state, with the Congress launching protest marches in the state and disrupting the Assembly session over the case.
Last week, the Kerala High Court ordered a CBI inquiry into the case, even as the LDF state government had maintained that an investigation by the central agency was not necessary.