Election Squad Officials Assaulted by Congress Workers in Kochi

Kochi: Officials from an election enforcement squad were brutally attacked by Congress workers while carrying out their official duty of removing unauthorised flex boards and posters from public spaces in Kochi. Video footage of the assault has since emerged and circulated widely. The officials had arrived at Malakhappady in the Kochi constituency pursuant to directives to clear election-related flex boards and posters from public areas, when they were set upon by a mob of Congress workers.

The timing of the incident was particularly notable — a reception event for UDF candidate Mohammed Shiyaz was simultaneously underway at the same location. Upon seeing the officials removing the flex boards, Congress workers reportedly assembled in large numbers and launched a coordinated attack on the squad.

Despite the officials clearly informing the workers that they were acting under official orders to remove the material, the Congress workers disregarded the explanation entirely and proceeded to assault them. The victims — Kochi Corporation employees Justin, Ranjan Kumar, Thambin, and Shijin — sustained injuries in the unprovoked attack. The officials have alleged that the assault was led by Congress workers Peter and Shinu Vincent.