Congress office vandalised in Kerala’s Kannur; party blames CPI(M)

Late on teh night of December 27, 2025, the Congress office located in Mathattum, Kolassery, in the Kannur district of Kerala, experienced a severe act of vandalism. Unidentified individuals forcibly entered the premises, causing extensive damage to the property and scattering party materials across the nearby road and a creek.This incident has sparked significant concern among local political circles and residents, prompting immediate responses from law enforcement and political parties alike. Understanding the details and implications of this event is crucial for those following political developments in the region.

Details of the Vandalism Incident at the Congress Office

According to sources within the Congress party, the perpetrators broke the shutter lock to gain entry, later damaging ceiling panels and fans inside the office. Files and photographs, including a notable image of Mahatma Gandhi, were strewn about, indicating a deliberate attempt to humiliate the party. the extent of the destruction suggests a targeted attack rather than random vandalism, raising questions about the motives behind the act.

Law Enforcement Response and Inquiry Progress

The Dharmadam police promptly registered a case following a formal complaint from the Congress. A specialized team, led by inspector P. Sreehari, visited the site to gather forensic evidence, including fingerprint analysis. This methodical approach aims to identify the culprits and establish a clear chain of events. the investigation remains ongoing,with authorities urging the public to come forward with any relevant information.

Political Reactions and Accusations

In the aftermath,the Congress organised protests on both Sunday and Monday,vocally condemning the attack and attributing responsibility to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]. Conversely,the CPI(M) Vadakkumpad local committee denounced the vandalism as well,labeling it an act by anti-social elements. They expressed skepticism about the allegations, suggesting that attempts to implicate the CPI(M) might be part of a broader political strategy to discredit them.

Contextualizing Political Violence in Kerala

Political violence has been a recurring issue in Kerala, with clashes between rival parties occasionally escalating into property damage and physical confrontations. The 2025 incident at the Mathattum Congress office fits into this pattern, reflecting the intense rivalry between the Congress and CPI(M) in the region. Recent statistics from the Kerala Police indicate a 15% rise in politically motivated crimes over the past two years, underscoring the need for stronger preventive measures and dialog between parties.

Vital Facts: Key Points to Remember

• The vandalism occurred on the night of December 27, 2025, at the Congress office in Mathattum, Kolassery, Kannur.
• Attackers forcibly broke the shutter lock and damaged ceiling sheets and fans inside the office.
• Files and photographs, including one of Mahatma gandhi, were scattered and damaged.
• The Dharmadam police registered a case and initiated an investigation led by Inspector P. Sreehari.
• Fingerprint experts were deployed to collect forensic evidence at the scene.
• Congress accused the CPI(M) of orchestrating the attack, while CPI(M) denied involvement.
• CPI(M) Vadakkumpad local committee condemned the vandalism and suggested political conspiracy behind the accusations.
• Political violence in Kerala has increased by approximately 15% in recent years, according to official police data.
• The incident triggered protests organized by the Congress on the following two days.
• Such events highlight ongoing tensions between the Congress and CPI(M) in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was responsible for the vandalism at the Congress office in Mathattum? The Congress party has accused the CPI(M) of involvement, but the CPI(M) has denied these claims, calling them politically motivated. The investigation by the Dharmadam police is ongoing to identify the culprits.

Q: What kind of damage was caused during the attack? The attackers broke open the shutter lock, damaged ceiling sheets and fans, and scattered important files and photographs, including one of Mahatma Gandhi, across the office and nearby areas.

Q: How did the authorities respond to the incident? The Dharmadam police registered a case instantly, sent a team led by Inspector P. Sreehari to collect evidence, and involved fingerprint experts to aid the investigation.

Q: What was the political reaction following the vandalism? The Congress organized protests condemning the attack and blamed the CPI(M), while the CPI(M) Vadakkumpad local committee condemned the act but denied any involvement, suggesting a political conspiracy behind the accusations.

Q: Is political violence common in Kerala? Yes, political violence has been a persistent issue in Kerala, with recent data showing a 15% increase in politically motivated crimes over the past two years, reflecting ongoing tensions between major parties like the Congress and CPI(M).