Thrissur: A 47-year-old man who got beaten up during a BJP-CPM clash on Saturday at Akambadam in Kaipamangalam here died at a private hospital on Sunday morning after undergoing a heart surgery. Interestingly both parties are trying to blame the other for the clash that seemingly led to his heart attack. The deceased Chakanjathu Satheesan residing near Kalamuri West Power Station is a CPM worker and was a heart patient. His relatives say that after the clash on Saturday evening, Satheesan who is a daily wage worker, displayed signs of uneasiness and was rushed to a private hospital in Olari.
Another six persons were also injured in the group clashes between the CPM and BJP. Several youngsters at Akambadam had recently crossed over to the BJP from the CPM and the son along with the nephew of the deceased had joined the BJP. According to Satheesan’s son Sandeep and nephew Jinesh, Satheesh was beaten on his chest in the group clash involving nearly 35 men when he tried to rescue Jinesh during the clash. The close relatives of Satheesan said that he was a CPM worker. But, as there was a ruckus at the house of the deceased between CPM and BJP workers on Sunday morning, the relatives told the local politicians of both the BJP and CPM to keep away from the house and not to create a political fight over his death.
Rural SP Yathish Chandra was present at the house when the relatives, especially the women, made the statement. The local police then asked workers of both the parties to leave the house of the deceased. But BJP district president A Nagesh said that his party had not made any claims that the deceased was a BJP worker. “Satheesan was beaten up by CPM men when he tried to save his nephew during the clashes and none of the CPM workers or leaders turned up at the hospital while he was underdoing treatment,” he said.
Kodungallur CI PC Bijukumar told DC that Satheesan underwent an angioplasty surgery at the hospital but then could not recover. “He is a CPM worker and his family members have confirmed it. He was beaten up while he tried to save his nephew who was a BJP worker. A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered over his death. Further aspects in the case are being investigated,” CI added. Meanwhile, BJP has called for a hartal in Kaipamangalam and Kodungallur Assembly segments on Monday over the death. Satheesan’s post-mortem examination will be held on Monday.
