CPM uses Kannur explosion as campaign weapon, Congress cries foul

Kannur: In the run up to the Assembly election, the CPM is planning to make the explosion at Rajendra Colony in Podikkundu in the suburbs of Kannur Town on the night of March 24, a major campaign subject. However, the Congress alleged that the CPM was trying to politicize the issue.

Demanding compensation to the families whose houses were damaged in the explosion and also demanding comprehensive probe by a special investigation team into the incident, the CPM would take out a public demonstration and rally in Podikkundu on Tuesday.

This explosion happened due to the laxity on the part of the authorities and though cases were charged against Anoop alias Anu Malik on three occasions in the past for illegally keeping explosives in his possession, he escaped due to his clout in the ruling front, alleged senior CPM leader M V Jayarajan addressing a press conference here on Sunday.

“People are aware of Anu Malik’s relation with the Congress leaders and his stay in the colony itself is mysterious,” said Jayarajan. “Moreover, he was successful in keeping his identity a secret and people say that strangers used to come to him, which adds up to the mystery of the entire episode.”

Though the local residents had complained to the police, no action was taken and if a raid had been conducted at that time, this mishap could have been averted, he added.

The party also said the government should give adequate compensation to the families whose houses are damaged.

However, the Congress alleged the CPM was trying to politicize the issue.

“While the Revenue department is fast estimating the loss, it is shameful on the part of the CPM to politically exploit the issue,” said DCC president K Surendran.

He also said the government could not announce any compensation as the election code of conduct has come to effect and it is not justified to put the blame on the government now. He also demanded the authorities should give exemplary punishment to the accused and also steps should be taken to give compensation to the affected people.

It was around 11.30 pm on March 24 that the explosion ripped through the rented house at Podikkundu after the crackers illegally kept there caught fire, in which many houses including the house of writer T Padmanabhan were damaged.