Kerala Assembly election: Explosive hurled at BJP worker's residence in Kannur; probe underway

Kannur: Ahead of the Assembly Elections in Kerala, police have launched an investigation after an explosive device was hurled at the residence of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker in Kathirur, Kannur district, officials said on Monday. 

When did the incident happen?

According to police, the incident took place at the residence of Majisha Pathayakunnu in Konkachi area near Kathirur on Sunday night at around 8:50 pm.

As per the FIR, at around 8:50 pm, two unidentified men approached Majisha's house and spoke abusively to her. After verbally abusing her, they threw an explosive, which went off with a loud sound.

What did the police say?

The officials at the Kathirur police station said that a case has been registered based on Majisha's complaint and efforts are underway to identify the accused. 

Forensic experts are examining the explosive to determine whether it was a firecracker or a country-made bomb.

Police officials say the matter is being investigated seriously and the culprits will be arrested soon. Security has been increased in the area and the situation is reported to be under control.

When will the election happen?

The voting for Kerala's 140 assembly seats is scheduled for April 9, while vote counting will take place on May 4. Kerala Assembly elections are a crucial democratic process in the state's politics, in which the public elects its representatives. 

The main contest here is usually between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), while the BJP also seeks to strengthen its presence.