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Violence hits Kerala town over Madani's release

Prohibitory orders under section 144 have been clamped in Kalady town and its surrounding areas in Kerala.

The decision was taken following largescale violence and arson in which several Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses and private vehicles were destroyed yesterday.

Twenty-seven people, including seven policemen, were injured in the incident.

The violence broke out during a demonstration by workers of the People's Democratic Party and the National Democratic Front.

They were demanding the immediate release of PDP chairman Abdul Nasser Madani lodged in the Salem central prison in connection with the Coimbatore serial bomb blasts.

About 170 people have been taken into custody from a place of worship in connection with the violence.

Traffic between Perumbavoor and Angamaly was paralysed following the agitation.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Arunkumar Sinha and District Superintendent of Police (Ernakulam rural) were camping in the area.

Additional forces have been drawn from the Kalamasserry, Tripunithura and Thrissur armed reserve camps to meet any eventuality.

UNI

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