Kerala: CPM worker hacked to death in Kannur in suspected political murder

A 52-year-old worker belonging to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was hacked to death in Kannur on Monday by unidentified attackers. 

Four-five men attacked Mohanan, the deceased worker who was the party's Paduvilayi local committee member, in his shop located in a busy market area. The police suspect it to be a political murder. Ashokan, another CPI(M) worker, was also wounded.

The CPI(M) has accused the BJP of carrying out the murder, NDTV reported. Party workers have also called for a strike in Kannur on Tuesday.

Official statistics have revealed that over 50 attacks and four murders of political workers have been carried out in Kannur since the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government came to power in May. 

The Opposition has alleged that the ruling CPI(M) has not taken any action against the rise in political violence in Kerala.

"There have been 70 murders and more than 100 incidents of political attacks and violence since the CPM government came to power in May. It shocks me and I fail to understand why the government is not doing anything or even calling for an all-party meeting," senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had said last month.