A clash between rival factions at a mosque in Madakkara, near Vadakara, in Kozhikode has escalated into a political controversy following allegations of heavy-handed police action inside the place of worship.
The confrontation erupted during Mila-Di-Nabi celebrations on Monday (August 24, 2026) evening, stemming from a two-year-old feud regarding the appointment of the mosque’s current Khateeb (preacher).
Opposing members had demanded his immediate removal, claiming he lacked authority to lead the congregation, while committee supporters insisted the service proceed. The dispute quickly degenerated into a physical altercation, prompting officers from the nearby Chombala police station to intervene.
Now, a newly surfaced video footage and statements from local political leaders have intensified the row, focussing on the nature of the police response.
Leaders from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have strongly condemned the police force, accusing officers of disrespecting the sacred space and assaulting the believers.
In a joint statement, IUML Kozhikode district president M. A. Razak MLA and general secretary T. T. Ismail alleged that armed officers “barged inside wearing boots without any major provocation, hurled abuses, and unleashed a lathi-charge on the faithful” as believers sat inside discussing religious programmes.
Kuttiyadi legislator and IUML leader Parakkal Abdulla accused officers of walking across prayer mats with footwear on and physically assaulting innocent worshippers. IUML leadership has demanded immediate disciplinary action against the officers involved, raising concerns over potential political motives behind the raid.
However the police authorities have rejected allegations of intentional desecration, maintaining that officers acted solely to prevent a wider breach of the peace.
Vadakara Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) K.K.Biju clarified that officers who initially entered the prayer hall had removed their footwear or worn socks. However, he noted that during the subsequent effort to disperse the crowd, some confusion may have arisen regarding footwear.
Controlling the mob was a necessary measure taken by the police to prevent a far worse law-and-order issue, another senior officer said.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] attributed the unrest to internal factionalism within local committee factions, claiming that law enforcement intervened appropriately to halt escalating violence between the groups.
Authorities have confirmed that formal charges have been registered against four pery representing both factions involved in the brawl. They had been released on bail. Investigations are on, the police said.
Published – August 27, 2026 01:44 pm IST
