The District Collector issued prohibitory orders near the Kizhakkambalam area following clashes between rival groups at Thamarachal late on Thursday night. About 11 police officers and three civilians were injured in the clashes between workers of political parties and local groups that broke out around 11.40 p.m.
The clashes erupted following arguments over a shed erected near Thamarachal by a group named Twenty20 as part of Onam celebrations. Allegations were raised that the shed was put up without the consent of the panchayat. Members of the political party who were against the company supporting the Twenty20 tried to demolish the shed, sparking violence. Police had to resort to lathi charge to disperse the crowd. A case has been registered at the Kunnathunadu police station against about 34 persons who were part of the row.
District Collector M.G. Rajamanickam issued prohibitory orders in the area under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Ernakulam Rural District Police Chief S. Sateesh Bino said that calm had been restored in the area. “Police officers were present near the area all day and the situation is peaceful,” he said.
