Despite peace-keeping attempts and prohibitory orders in place, the recent series of crude bomb explosions in Perambra and Vadakara have come as a big concern for the police.
There is no let-up in clashes between BJP and CPI(M) workers thanks to the continuing stand-off between the political rivals in the wake of the recent incidents.
As some of those injured in last week’s incidents are local leaders of the BJP and the CPI(M), their fellow party workers are disinclined to cooperate with any conciliatory attempts. Efforts are on to convene an all-party meeting with senior leaders of both the parties to discuss the issues and find a solution.
At the same time, the police are engaged in a search for illegally procured weapons and crude bombs in rural areas. Though the search is yet to attain result, the squads have been asked to continue the drive with the support of the bomb squad. In the wake of political clashes in rural areas, the police will monitor suspicious vehicles in sensitive regions.
Meanwhile, the BJP has alleged that the CPI(M) was responsible for unleashing attacks on a mosque at Perambra last week. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) too accused the CPI(M) of having a key role in the incident.
IUML leaders claimed it was a well-planned attempt to create communal tension in the area and to take political advantage out of it. The accused in the incident have already managed to escape as the police have been adopting a protective stance, they alleged.
Probe on
The police said they had already arrested seven persons from Perambra who had direct involvement in hartal-related incidents. The probe is on, and more arrests are likely in the days to come, they claimed.
Police sources also confirmed that forensic experts had already collected evidence from various locations where the recent series of explosions had taken place. The bombs were all locally-made, and those who were earlier arrested in connection with similar cases would be interrogated, they added.