Three persons were injured in clashes between suspected activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Poochakal, near Cherthala, on Monday night.
The police said the clashes followed an argument between two persons in a cinema hall. The altercation continued outside the hall, and street fights began when each of them called in his supporters.
Satheeshan Pillai, 41, a CPI(M) member, who was hacked, is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Ernakulam. His friend, Suresh, was also injured in the attack. The other person injured is an RSS activist, Manu, also known as Mahesh. Houses of persons from either organisation were attacked.
With tension mounting, a huge posse of police has been posted in the area. Senior police officials camping at Thevorvattam, said to be the ‘epicentre' of the clashes, are trying for peace through talks.
Arrested
The police have arrested five persons in connection with the murder of a man after arguments during the victory celebrations of a cricket team at Mannancherry, near Muhamma, here.
Anil Kumar, 35, was killed on being hit on the head with a cricket bat after he got into an argument that broke out between the two teams.
