Thu Dec 11 07:49:06 UTC 2025: Summary:

Residents of Kozhikode, Kerala, are protesting against a Fresh Cut poultry waste rendering unit in Ambayathode due to pollution concerns. Following a violent clash between protesters and police in October, many action committee leaders and members, including a candidate contesting local elections, are avoiding public appearances and voting due to fear of arrest. The police have increased surveillance, but some members assert their right to vote and threaten resistance against any arrests. The rendering unit was previously shut down after the October incident, which resulted in injuries and property damage.

News Article:

Pollution Protest Shadows Kerala Local Elections: Activists Fear Arrest, Demand Respect for Democratic Rights

Kozhikode, Kerala – December 11, 2025 – Tensions are high in Kozhikode, Kerala, as local body elections take place amidst ongoing protests against a Fresh Cut poultry waste rendering unit in Ambayathode. Many leaders and members of the local action committee, who have been at the forefront of the protests, are reportedly staying away from polling booths due to fear of arrest following a violent clash with police in October.

The clash occurred after an agitated group within the action committee set a portion of the rendering unit on fire and vandalized vehicles, resulting in injuries to both protesters and police officers. Over 300 people have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with the violence.

Among those avoiding public appearance is Babu Kudukkil, the chairman of the action committee, who is contesting from ward number 11 of the Thamarassery panchayat. A look-out notice was issued against him after filing his nomination on an Indian Union Muslim League ticket.

Despite the intensified police surveillance, some action committee members claim they exercised their right to vote early in the morning. They have warned of strong resistance against any arrests, asserting their right to participate in the democratic process.

“The police should respect the democratic rights of citizens and should not create a scary scene with heavy deployment near the polling booths,” a senior leader of the action committee stated.

The poultry rendering unit was shut down following the October incident. The protests highlight the ongoing environmental concerns of the residents and the challenges they face in exercising their democratic rights amidst ongoing legal action. A special investigation team is currently probing the October clash under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General of Police Yathish Chandra.

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