Political violence in Kerala, particularly in Kannur district, has long remained a deeply contested and sensitive issue in India’s socio-political landscape. Over decades, repeated clashes between cadre-based political groups have drawn national attention, with allegations, counter-allegations, and investigations shaping public discourse. Among these, a series of incidents involving repeated attacks on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers has been consistently highlighted in political narratives and reportage.
What stands out is not just the frequency of such incidents, but their continuity across decades. From the late 1960s to recent years, multiple cases have been reported involving killings, grievous injuries, and targeted assaults. These incidents, often concentrated in regions like Thalassery, Mattannur, and surrounding areas of Kannur, have contributed to the district’s reputation as a hotspot of ideological and political confrontation.
The pattern reflected in these cases indicates recurring cycles of violence, often unfolding during politically sensitive periods, public events, or routine activities of individuals affiliated with specific organisations. The nature of the attacks, as described in reports, includes ambushes, use of weapons, and organised group assaults, raising broader concerns about law and order, political tolerance, and grassroots-level conflict.
While legal processes in several cases have led to arrests, convictions, or ongoing investigations, the larger issue remains one of accountability, justice, and the need to address long-standing tensions that continue to impact communities. The persistence of such incidents underscores the importance of documenting them in a structured and factual manner.
Here are the detailed 25 Incidents:
1. CPI(M) Workers Attack RSS swayamsevak in Thalassery, One Killed and Four Injured
Kannur, Kerala, July 24, 2022 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed and four others were injured in an attack allegedly carried out by CPI(M) workers in Thalassery on Sunday.
The incident occurred when Jimnesh, an RSS volunteer, was returning home after participating in a “Gurudakshina” program organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. According to the reported details, a group of CPI(M) workers attacked Jimnesh and other volunteers, leading to his death.
Four other swayamsevak – T. Akshay, A. Adarsh, P.V. Jishnu, and K.P. Adarsh – sustained serious injuries in the attack. They were admitted to a private hospital in Thalassery for treatment.
2. RSS swayamsevak Shemaj Killed in Kannur; Three CPI(M) Workers Arrested
Kannur, Kerala, May 7, 2018 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed in New Mahe in Kannur district on Monday in an incident involving alleged involvement of CPI(M) workers.
Shemaj, an auto-rickshaw driver by profession, was reportedly dragged out of his vehicle and hacked to death by a six-member gang. He sustained severe injuries in the attack and succumbed to them while being taken to Kozhikode Medical College.
According to the reported details, three CPI(M) workers were arrested in connection with the murder.
3. RSS swayamsevak P.V. Sujith Killed in Kannur; Family Members Injured in Attack
Kannur, Kerala, February 15, 2016 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed at his residence in Pappinisseri in Kannur district on Monday night in an incident involving alleged involvement of CPI(M) workers.
P.V. Sujith, 27, was attacked at his home by a group of assailants reportedly linked to CPI(M). According to the reported details, the assailants entered the house and attacked him with weapons.
His parents and brother, who attempted to intervene during the incident, also sustained injuries. Sujith succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.
4. RSS swayamsevak E. Manoj Killed in Bomb and Assault Attack in Kannur; 19 Charged Including CPI(M) Leader
Kannur, Kerala, September 1, 2014 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed in a bomb and assault attack near Kathirur in Kannur district on Monday.
E. Manoj, 38, who served as the RSS district physical education chief, was travelling in a Maruti Omni when a five-member gang allegedly threw a bomb at the vehicle. The impact caused the vehicle to crash into an electric pole. Following the crash, the assailants attacked Manoj, resulting in his death.
Two of his friends who were present during the incident sustained serious injuries.
According to the reported details, the attack was linked to CPI(M) activists. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed charges against 19 individuals in connection with the case, including senior CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan.
5. RSS swayamsevak Vinod Kumar Killed in Attack on Balidan Diwas in Kannur
Kannur, Kerala, December 1, 2013 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed in an attack allegedly carried out by CPI(M) activists in Kannur on the occasion of Balidan Diwas.
According to the reported details, armed CPI(M) workers stopped vehicles carrying RSS volunteers, including Vinod Kumar, who were on their way to participate in the Jayakrishnan Master Balidan Diwas program.
The assailants attacked the swayamsevak with deadly weapons and crude bombs, resulting in the death of Vinod Kumar.
6. BMS Worker Suresh Kumar Dies After Alleged Attack by CPI(M) Workers in Kannur
Kannur, Kerala, August 17, 2014 – A Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) worker was attacked by a group of suspected CPI(M) workers in Thalassery in Kannur district, later succumbing to his injuries.
Suresh Kumar, 42, a taxi driver by profession, was injured in the attack and was undergoing treatment. According to the reported details, he succumbed to his injuries on August 27, 2014.
7. RSS swayamsevak Anoop Killed in Bomb Attack in Kannur; Mob Assault Reported
Kannur, Kerala, October 10, 2008 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed in a bomb attack in Kannur district on Friday, in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) activists and leaders.
Anoop was reportedly targeted when CPI(M) attackers threw a bomb at him. According to the reported details, under the leadership of CPI(M)/DYFI leaders Biju and Manoj, a group of 30 to 40 CPI(M) workers attacked the homes of volunteers and supporters near Komathapara in Thalassery.
During the incident, Anoop and another swayamsevak , Rizesh, 29, attempted to escape. The attackers allegedly threw bombs at them, causing severe injuries. Anoop suffered fatal injuries, including the loss of his left eye and right hand, and died on the spot.
8. RSS swayamsevak Suresh Babu Hacked to Death in Kannur; Five CPI(M) Workers Sentenced to Life
Kannur, Kerala, March 7, 2008 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed in Kodiyeri in Kannur district on Friday after being attacked by a group of CPI(M) workers.
Suresh Babu was reportedly attacked at his residence around 11:00 AM by six CPI(M) workers. According to the reported details, he attempted to flee to his in-laws’ house nearby, but the assailants pursued him and hacked him to death in front of his family members, including his wife, Suma, and his sister.
In connection with the incident, five CPI(M) workers were pronounced guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of BJP worker Suresh Babu at Thalassery.
9. RSS swayamsevak Nikhil Hacked to Death in Kannur Amid Reported Political Violence
Kannur, Kerala, March 5, 2008 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed in Kannur district on Wednesday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) activists.
Nikhil, 22, a truck driver and the sole earner of his family, was reportedly attacked and killed. According to the reported details, CPI(M) activists were responsible for the attack, which occurred amid escalating political violence in the region.
10. RSS Volunteer Sathyan Beheaded in Kannur; Killing Reported Amid Political Violence
Kannur, Kerala, March 5, 2008 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed in Kannur district on Wednesday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) activists.
Sathyan was reportedly dragged from his workplace and beheaded by the attackers. His headless body was later found by the roadside near his home.
According to the reported details, the killing occurred amid escalating political violence in the region involving CPI(M) activists and RSS volunteers.
11. RSS-BJP Worker Pramod Killed in Kannur Amid Reported Political Violence
Kannur, Kerala, August 16, 2007 – An RSS and BJP worker was killed in Kannur district on Thursday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) workers.
Pramod, 33, was reportedly attacked in his locality and sustained fatal injuries, dying on the spot. According to the reported details, CPI(M) members were responsible for the attack, which occurred amid escalating political violence in the region.
The incident was reported as part of a series of retaliatory attacks between CPI(M) workers and RSS/BJP volunteers in northern Kerala during that period.
12. RSS swayamsevak and Lawyer P.P. Valsaraj Kurup Killed in Kannur; CPI(M) Activists Alleged Involved
Kannur, Kerala, March 4, 2007 – An RSS swayamsevak and lawyer was killed in Panur near Thalassery in Kannur district on Sunday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) activists.
P.P. Valsaraj Kurup, 37, was at his residence when a group of around 10 CPI(M) activists reportedly arrived at his home at night under the pretense of seeking legal assistance. According to the reported details, he initially hesitated to open the door but did so after the visitors mentioned a friend’s name.
The assailants then allegedly dragged him outside to a nearby alley and struck him on the head with an iron rod, resulting in his death.
13. RSS-BJP Worker Pottakkadan Shaji Stabbed to Death in Kannur; Case Registered Against CPI(M) Activists
Kannur, Kerala, November 17, 2002 – An RSS worker was killed near his home in Kannur district on Sunday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) activists.
Pottakkadan Shaji was returning from an RSS branch meeting with his friend Pulukki Shaji when the attack occurred. According to the reported details, the assailants inflicted fatal stab wounds to his neck, arms, and legs, resulting in his death.
Following the incident, the Koothuparamba police registered a case against CPI(M) activists. Legal action was also initiated against relatives of CPI(M) members who allegedly sheltered the accused.
14. RSS swayamsevak Chavasseri Uthman Dragged from Bus and Killed in Kannur
Kannur, Kerala, May 21, 2002 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed in Kannur district on Tuesday after being attacked by CPI(M) activists.
Chavasseri Uthman was travelling by bus when he was reportedly targeted by CPI(M) activists. According to the reported details, the assailants attacked him, dragged him onto the road, and killed him in broad daylight.
The incident was described as a politically motivated attack targeting him for his affiliation with the RSS amid escalating violence in northern Kerala at the time.
15. Two RSS swayamsevaks Killed in Midnight Attack in Kannur; Convictions Upheld by Supreme Court
Kannur, Kerala, March 1, 2002 – Two RSS swayamsevaks were killed in a midnight attack in Melur, Thalassery, in Kannur district, in an incident involving CPI(M) activists.
Sujish and Sunil, along with others, were attacked by several CPI(M) activists who used axes and swords. According to the reported details, the assault was described as a politically motivated attack targeting RSS members.
Following the incident, a trial court in 2006 convicted 14 CPI(M) members and sentenced them to life imprisonment. In 2011, the Kerala High Court confirmed the life sentences of five of the accused and acquitted the remaining eight.
On January 6, 2025, the Supreme Court of India upheld the life sentences of the five convicted CPI(M) activists.
16. RSS-BJP swayamsevak K.K. Biju Shot Dead in Kannur; CPI(M) Activists Alleged Responsible
Kannur, Kerala, December 5, 2000 – An RSS-BJP worker and Yuva Morcha leader was killed near Maloor in Kannur district on Tuesday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) activists.
K.K. Biju was reportedly shot dead by unknown assailants. According to the reported details, CPI(M) activists were held responsible for the attack, though no individual assailants were publicly named in trial records.
17. RSS-BJP Worker C.K. Chandran Killed in Kannur Amid Ongoing Clashes
Kannur, Kerala, December 3, 2000 – An RSS-BJP worker was killed in Peruvangad in Kannur district on Sunday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) activists.
C.K. Chandran was attacked near Maloor in what was described as a targeted assault by political opponents. According to the reported details, the incident was part of ongoing clashes in northern Kerala involving CPI(M) activists and RSS/BJP members.
18. RSS Leader K.T. Jayakrishnan Killed Inside Classroom in Kannur; Seven CPI(M) Workers Accused
Kannur, Kerala, December 1, 1999 – An RSS swayamsevak was killed inside a classroom at Mokery East U.P. School in Kannur district on Wednesday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) workers.
K.T. Jayakrishnan was attacked by seven CPI(M) workers in front of his students. According to the reported details, he sustained 48 injuries inflicted with swords and knives, resulting in his death.
In 2012, CPI(M) cadre T.K. Rajesh reportedly confessed his role in the killing during another probe.
19. Jana Sangh Leader Vadikkal Ramakrishnan Killed in Kannur; Attack Marks Early Instance of Political Violence
Kannur, Kerala, April 28, 1969 – A Jana Sangh leader and RSS swayamsevak was killed in Thalassery in Kannur district on Monday in an incident involving CPI(M) workers.
Vadikkal Ramakrishnan was attacked inside his shop by CPI(M) workers, who allegedly hacked him to death. According to the reported details, his killing has been described as the first political killing in Kannur.
The incident has been widely cited as marking the beginning of a prolonged phase of political violence between CPI(M) and RSS-BJP workers in the region.
20. RSS swayamsevak P. Nikhil Seriously Injured in Attack in Kannur
Kannur, Kerala, September 19, 2017 – An RSS swayamsevak was seriously injured in an attack allegedly carried out by CPI(M) activists near Mattannur in Nelluni in Kannur district on Tuesday.
P. Nikhil, 19, was travelling on his motorcycle in the morning when a group of six assailants reportedly stopped him and attacked him with swords. According to the reported details, he sustained injuries to his shoulder and thigh in the assault.
He was later admitted in critical condition to Indira Gandhi Cooperative Hospital in Thalassery.
21. Over 20 RSS swayamsevaks Attacked in Kannur; Several Injured
Kannur, Kerala, January 30, 2017 – More than 20 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) swayamsevaks were attacked in Kannur district on Monday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) activists.
According to the reported details, Communist workers carried out a targeted assault on the group, resulting in injuries to several volunteers.
22. RSS swayamsevak A.V. Biju Injured in Knife Attack in Kannur; Case Registered Against Five CPI(M) Activists
Kannur, Kerala, March 8, 2016 – An RSS swayamsevak was injured in a knife attack in Kannur district on Tuesday in an incident involving alleged participation of CPI(M) activists.
A.V. Biju, 35, was reportedly dragged out of an autorickshaw by assailants and attacked with sharp weapons, sustaining multiple stab wounds. According to the reported details, he was taken to Kozhikode Medical College for treatment.
A case was registered against five CPI(M) workers on charges of attempted murder.
23. RSS swayamsevak C. Sadanandan Master Mutilated in Attack in Kannur; Several CPI(M) Activists Convicted
Kannur, Kerala, January 25, 1994 – An RSS swayamsevak was critically injured in an attack in Kannur district on Tuesday in an incident involving CPI(M) activists.
C. Sadanandan Master was ambushed near Mattannur by CPI(M) workers, who reportedly used crude bombs to create panic before dragging him out and assaulting him. According to the reported details, the attackers severed both his legs in the assault, leaving him critically injured.
Several accused linked to CPI(M) were later convicted in connection with the case.
24. RSS swayamsevak Sumesh Critically Injured in Kannur Attack; Six CPI(M) Workers Convicted
Kannur, Kerala, March 5, 2008 – An RSS Physical Education Chief was critically injured in an attack in Thalassery taluk in Kannur district on Wednesday in an incident involving CPI(M) activists.
Sumesh was ambushed by a group of CPI(M) workers during Shivratri near Thalassery town. According to the reported details, the assailants attacked him with knives, severing his left hand and leaving him critically injured.
In 2019, the Thalassery Additional Sessions Court convicted six CPI(M) workers – Pottian Santosh, Dirash, Dijesh, Shiji, and Jinesh – in connection with the attempted murder, sentencing them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 30,000.
25. RSS swayamsevak Nidheesh Critically Injured in Kannur Attack; Allegations and Police Suspicion Point to CPI(M) Role
Kannur, Kerala, October 16, 2017 – An RSS swayamsevak was critically injured in an attack in Edakkad near Muzhuppilangad in Kannur district on Monday during BJP’s Jana Raksha Yatra.
Nidheesh was reportedly ambushed by a group of assailants who attacked him with knives, hacking his limbs and causing severe injuries. He was initially taken to Thalassery Hospital and later shifted to Kozhikode Medical College for further treatment.
According to the reported details, BJP alleged that CPI(M) cadres were responsible for the attack, while Kannur police also suspected their role in the context of political violence, though the attackers were not identified.
The compilation of these 25 incidents presents a long chronological arc of reported violence spanning more than five decades. From the late 1960s to recent years, the recurrence of killings, attempted murders, and targeted assaults points toward a sustained pattern that has shaped the political landscape of regions like Kannur. The frequency and intensity of such incidents have contributed to a climate where political identity often intersects with personal safety.
A closer reading of these cases highlights recurring elements: organized attacks, use of weapons, and instances occurring during routine activities or public events. In several cases, investigations, arrests, and judicial outcomes have followed, indicating the role of the legal system in addressing individual incidents. Yet, the persistence of such episodes across decades suggests deeper structural tensions that extend beyond isolated cases.
The broader implication lies in the continued relevance of these incidents in contemporary political discourse. They serve as documented instances that inform debates on political violence, accountability, and the rule of law. Understanding this trajectory is essential for any meaningful discussion on conflict resolution and democratic stability in politically sensitive regions.
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