At least 3 policemen injured in BJP–CPI(M) clash in Kerala; 94 workers booked

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At least three policemen were injured in a clash between BJP and CPI(M) workers over a property dispute between two relatives in Nettayam, officials said on Monday. Police have registered a case against 94 workers in connection with the incident.According to the FIR, the injured policemen have been identified as civil police officers Deepu and Shibu, and station house officer Vipin AC of Vattiyoorkavu police station. Police said a team reached near St Sebastian’s Church at Malamukal around 8.30 pm after receiving information about a clash between BJP and CPI(M) workers. During the incident, a CPI(M) worker allegedly hit CPO Deepu on the head with a stone, while SHO Vipin AC was attacked by a BJP worker. CPO Shibu was also assaulted with a stick.Officials said the clash stemmed from a land dispute between two relatives — one a BJP worker and the other a CPI(M) supporter — who had filed complaints against each other. The situation escalated after workers from both parties joined in and clashed, during which the police team that intervened was also attacked.Following the incident, BJP workers gathered in large numbers outside the Vattiyoorkavu police station late Sunday night, alleging that action had been taken only against their party members. Television reporters at the spot were also questioned by the protesters.Police later registered a separate case against over 100 BJP workers in connection with the protest.(With agency inputs)