Payyannur, April 10 (IANS) Fresh allegations of intimidation and political violence have surfaced in Payyannur in Kerala’s Kannur district, with UDF-supported Independent candidate V. Kunjikrishnan claiming that a mafia-like network is operating to silence dissenters.

His remarks came hours after the poll ended in the backdrop of a late-night attack on the house of his supporter, where unidentified assailants smashed window panes and set ablaze a car owned by T. Purushothaman.

The incident, which occurred around 1 a.m., has heightened political tensions in the Kannur region.

“I had mentioned in my book and in my speeches that Payyannur is in the grip of a mafia. When it became clear that the CPI(M) candidate and sitting MLA T.I. Madhusoodhanan was facing a tough contest, this is what such forces resort to against detractors,” Kunjikrishnan said.

He alleged that the sense of security associated with one’s home was being deliberately targeted.

“The concept that a home is a safe place is under attack. This was evident throughout the campaign period,” he noted, pointing to what he described as a sustained attempt to create fear among opposition supporters.

Drawing parallels with his own political past, Kunjikrishnan recalled a similar episode during his exit from the CPI(M) a few weeks back, “when I was ousted from the party, one of my supporters’ bikes was burnt. To date, no action has been taken,” he said, suggesting a recurring pattern of intimidation.

While stopping short of directly accusing the CPI(M) of orchestrating the latest attack, he made a pointed observation, saying, “I will not say this was done by the CPI(M), but I know such incidents would not happen without the knowledge of Madhusoodhan.”

The UDF has already alleged widespread irregularities, including bogus voting and threats to booth agents, during polling in Payyannur.

The latest incident has added to concerns over post-poll violence in the district.

After the incident, the police have stepped up security in and around Payyannur, even as the political atmosphere remains charged ahead of the counting day on May 4.

Kunjikrishnan, who was ousted from the CPI(M), fought the election as an Independent candidate with support from the Congress-led UDF.

–IANS

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