Protests erupt after RSS-BJP worker attacks children’s carol in Palakkad
Protests erupt after RSS-BJP worker attacks children’s carol in Palakkad
RSS-BJP worker allegedly assaults children in a Palakkad carol group; police arrest him as protests by DYFI spread across the district.
Widespread protests erupted in Palakkad after an alleged attack on a children’s Christmas carol group by an RSS-BJP worker in Kalandithara, Pudussery, on Sunday night. The incident saw Aswin Raj allegedly assaulting the young carol participants and damaging their musical instrument. The carol band reportedly belonged to the CPI(M) area committee, intensifying political reactions in the district.
Following the assault, police arrested Raj and filed charges related to causing hurt and promoting communal violence, in addition to KAAPA provisions. In the wake of the attack, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) organised about 2,500 protest carols across Palakkad to condemn the disruption of Christmas celebrations and to call for communal harmony. The DYFI warned the RSS and BJP against further attempts to disrupt protest carols, signaling a robust response if needed.
Reaction from political leaders was swift and sharp. BJP state leaders justified the attack, alleging that the carollers were intoxicated and that the event was organized by CPI(M). Critics, including the DYFI and others, accused the BJP of fueling communal tensions. The Chief Minister condemned disparaging remarks against the carol group and called for legal action against the perpetrators, while the Palakkad Bishop urged that responsible parties be held to account. The incident has sparked a broader debate about safety, religious celebrations, and political rhetoric in Kerala.
Authorities emphasized that the attack is being treated as a serious offense and pledged to safeguard religious events and protect students and performers from any violence or intimidation in the future. The investigation continues, and officials urged calm while ensuring accountability for those responsible.
