Police book Shafi Parambil, 600 Congress workers over Perambra clash

The Kozhikode police registered a case against Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil and more than 600 Congress party workers in connection with the violent clashes that broke out during a protest march at Perambra on Friday (October 10, 2025)

The First Information Report (FIR) was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to rioting, unlawful assembly and deterring public servants from their duty by assault or using criminal force.

Police officers associated with the probe claimed that a volatile situation prevailed at Perambra, challenging the law and order situation in the name of a protest. It called for a comprehensive investigation which would be carried out under a senior officer, the police said.

The clashes erupted following heightened political tensions after the college union election at CKG Government College, Perambra. In the elections, the Students Federation of India (SFI) secured 15 seats, while the Kerala Students’ Union and the Muslim Students Federation won five. The United Democratic Front block claimed the college chairman’s post, sparking intense protests from rival student organisations.

On October 10, there was also a hartal called by the Congress in Perambra to protest against the alleged police action on Kerala Student Union (KSU) activists a day earlier. After the hartal ended at 6 p.m., both the Congress and Communist Party of India Marxist (CPIM) held protest marches that culminated near the Perambra bus stand, leading to a confrontation. Police resorted to lathi charge and used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Congress workers alleged that Shafi Parambil, MP, was beaten up by police, and he sustained injuries to his nose, leading to an emergency surgery. Visuals from the scene showing Mr. Parambil with injuries on his face were also circulated on social media.

Congress leaders led by District Congress Committee President K. Praveen Kumar alleged that the assault was politically motivated and accused the officers of acting under Leftist influence. They also declared that a series of protests would be organised across the State to expose the police officers involved in the incident.