In view of the volatile political situation prevailing in rural Kozhikode, District Collector Seeram Sambasiva Rao has clamped prohibitory orders within the limits of Vadakara municipality and Onchiyam, Nadapuram, Perambra and Kunnummal grama panchayats from 6 p.m. on April 23 to 10 p.m. on April 24.
The orders were issued under Section 144 (power to issue order in urgent cases of nuisance of apprehended danger) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The Collector issued the order in his capacity as the District Magistrate following incidents of violence on the final day of public campaign for the Lok Sabha polls at Villiappally at Vadakara on Sunday evening.
The Collector has also banned processions, meetings and rallies till the voting process gets over at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The district police chiefs in Kozhikode and Vadakara have been instructed to monitor the situation and take stringent action against any violation of the order.
Meanwhile, UDF leaders alleged that their procession was attacked with stones and chilly powder. The vehicle of Congress candidate at Vadakara K. Muraleedharan came under attack. The police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the unruly crowd gathered for the conclusion of campaigning. At least five of them were injured in the melee. They were admitted to a private hospital. They also alleged that the police took some of their activists into custody.
Hundreds of workers led by IUML legislator Parakkal Abdulla assembled at the Vadakara police station demanding the release of their activists.