CPI(M) leaders arrested in Kerala bank election violence probe

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested senior CPI(M) leader M Gireesh and branch committee member CP Jaleel in connection with violence during the Chevayur Service Co-operative Bank election in Kozhikode, Kerala.

The arrests stem from an investigation into physical assaults and electoral sabotage reported during the bank's governing body election on November 16, 2024. The bank, which manages hundreds of crores in deposits, recently transitioned from Congress administrative control to CPI(M) control following the election.

Congress leaders have alleged that CPI(M) workers utilized over 5,000 forged identification cards and engaged in booth capturing. The SIT was constituted in June following complaints of police inaction regarding the initial incidents. The specific case leading to these arrests involves a complaint from a Congress worker who sustained serious facial and jaw injuries during the election-day violence.