Kerala: 4 Indian Union Muslim League members held for murder

Malappuram: Police has arrested four Muslim League workers and booked six others on Saturday in connection with the death of a CPM worker in Varambanala in Malappuram. V. Hamsa Kutty (42), a CPM worker and local leader of AP Sunni, had died on Friday after an attack with firecrackers during a victory march in Tirur.

The arrested, Moideen Kutty (44), Tharammal Muhammed (38), Abdul Basith (23) and Athikkal Soopi Haji (63) were later produced in the court. There are around 50 men to be held who were part of the march when the alleged attack happened, Valancheri circle-inspector Suresh K.G. said.

The LDF observed a hartal in Valavannur and Kalpakancheri panchayats. There were no untoward incidents during the day-long shutdown. The CPM workers had marched on Kalpakancheri Police station Friday night seeking immediate arrest of the attackers which created tension in the area.

The district police chief also reached the spot. Eyewitnesses said the League workers threw firecrackers at the residence of Mr Kutty during the march and some of them intimidated him. A heart patient, he fell unconscious and was later rushed to nearby hospital by relatives but was reported brought dead.