Independent candidate from Kannur hacked by unknown assailants

COT Naseer, a rebel CPI(M) member who is contesting as independent from Vadakara faced the attack.

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An independent candidate from Vadakara constituency in Kozhikode district, was attacked by unknown assailants on Saturday evening. The victim has been identified as COT Naseer, a former CPI(M) party member who is contesting as an independent in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

On Saturday evening, Naseer was attacked by 3 unidentified assailants, 500 metres from his house in Thalassery, Kannur.

“The attack happened around 7:30 pm. Naseer was on his two wheeler near his house when a bike bound men knocked him down and beat him,” SI of Thalassery police station told TNM.

The incident happened on Kayath road in Thalassery town. Police investigation has revealed that Naseer was attacked with iron roads and metal equipment.

“We are not sure if it’s a metal pipe or a knife. He was also hit with an iron rod. A case has been registered against 3 persons so far,” the SI added.

Naseer sustained injuries on his head, knee and hands. According to the police, he had a fracture on one of the fingers following the attack. He is currently admitted in the Kozhikode Medical College hospital where he is receiving treatment.

“The injuries are not of a serious nature. He should be discharged soon,” the SI added.

A case has been registered under IPC sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by means of dangerous weapons) and 307 (attempt to murder).

A former local committee member of the CPI(M) in Thalassery, Naseer quit the party back in 2015. Naseer made headlines by contesting against CPI(M)’s Vadakara candidate and party strongman P Jayarajan.

Reports also state that Naseer had faced attacks previously. Prior to this incident, Naseer was attacked while campaigning during the Lok Sabha elections, in Melpayyur town in April. This is the third time that Naseer has been attacked.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Mullappally Ramachandran condemned the attack on Naseer and accused the ruling CPI(M) for the incident. The Congress leader also added that CPI(M)’s strategy was to silence any voice that opposes the party.