The volatile Kannur district, the epicentre of political violence in Kerala, seems to be heading for turmoil in the run-up to the polls.
Close on the heels of the police booking political party workers under the Goonda Act, the CPI (M) on Monday came down heavily on the superintendent of police Debesh Kumar Behara, cliaming that he was providing propaganda material for the UDF.
“Kannur has not witnessed a any single instance of violence in the recent past,” said CPI (M) district secretary P. Jayarajan.
“But party workers in places like Panur, Chokli and Thalassery are being booked under Section 107 of the CrPC only because they have been accused in political cases,” he added.
“All this is being done under the pretext of implementing the directions from the Election Commission,” he added.
Mr Jayarajan alleged that the UDF candidate in Dharmadam had undergone rigorous imprisonment in a murder case.
“Their candidate in Thalassery is an accused in around 11 cases but the police has not taken any action against them” said the CPI(M) leader.
CPI (M) leader Mr Behara had fixed a quota for the subordinate officers to charge petty cases.
“This has led to widespread protest and we will be forced to swing into direct action if the police refuses to change its attitude,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the police have initiated proceedings under Section 107 of the CrPC against 321 people are involved in various cases. They have been asked to execute bonds before the revenue divisional officer.
Special squads have been formed to conduct raids for weapons and explosives. The squads have recovered 52 country bombs and have registered 13 cases.
The squads thus far conducted raids at 177 spots and recovered swords, knives and axes. As many as 600 people have surrendered their gun licenses before the authorities.