MP Shashi Tharoor narrowly escapes an attempted attack in Vandur; his gunman is injured, and five accused are arrested.
In a shocking late-night incident, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor narrowly escaped an attack in Kerala’s Malappuram while campaigning for the assembly election. According to local media reports, a group of men on motorcycles chased Tharoor’s car near Thiruvalli Chellithodu bridge while he was travelling to an election campaign event in Wandoor. His convoy was blocked, and the accused hurled abuses at his security. His gunman stepped in to protect but was injured during the scuffle.
Based on the gunman’s complaint, Wandoor Police registered a case. Police have registered a non-bailable case against the main accused, Ummar, who has been arrested. Two additional suspects were also detained, bringing the total number of accused to three. Authorities are investigating the motive and whether more people were involved in planning the attack.
Security Concern Before Elections
The incident comes days before Kerala goes to the polls on April 9. The polls are closely watched as it could test the very rhythm of its politics in the state, which has a history of alternating between its two foremost parties – the Left and the Congress. The ruling Left-led LDF (Left Democratic Front), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is seeking a rare third consecutive term, while the Congress-led UDF (United Democratic Front) is seeking to reclaim ground.
Campaigning has reached a fever pitch in the state that is set to witness intense ground battles and closely fought contests across all 140 seats. The vote counting is set for May 4, and the verdict will decide whether the southern state breaks its long-standing tradition of alternating governments or sticks with continuity.
