Tensions flared in Kerala’s Malappuram district on Friday night as the convoy of senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor was forcibly obstructed, leading to a physical altercation involving his security personnel. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM near the Thiruvalli Chellithodu bridge in Wandoor, while Tharoor was traveling to a high-profile election campaign event for the upcoming April 9 assembly polls. According to police reports and the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Tharoor’s gunman, Ratheesh K.P., a group of approximately eight individuals in two vehicles blocked the narrow road, preventing the convoy from passing. When the MP’s security staff and driver requested the vehicles to move to ease the passage, the group reportedly turned violent, banging on the car windows and assaulting both the gunman and the driver.
Following the attack, the Wandoor police acted swiftly, registering a case and detaining three individuals while also seizing the two vehicles linked to the assault. One of the accused, identified as Ummara from Kalikavu, has been booked under non-bailable charges. Taking to social media on Saturday morning to reassure his supporters, the 70-year-old Congress leader confirmed that while his security guard was attacked, he remained “untouched” and physically safe. Tharoor expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of concern and emphasized that the “untoward incident” would not deter his political activities. Despite the security breach, the veteran politician continued with his scheduled campaign trail undaunted, asserting that his ongoing program remains unaffected as the state prepares for a crucial single-phase election. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political circles, raising concerns over the safety of high-profile leaders during the volatile election season in Kerala
