Two CPI-M activists killed in explosion in Kannur

Kannur: Two persons believed to be CPI-M workers were killed and four injured when a country bomb exploded at politically sensitive Kannur district Saturday.

The blast occurred while some persons were manufacturing bombs at Kollavallur at nearby Pannur, where tension is prevailing between CPI-M and BJP workers.

"The two died on the spot," District Collector P Balakiran told reporters.

The two seriously injured have been admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, police said.

They said material used for making bombs were recovered from the spot.

"Police officials have been sent to the spot and searches are being conducted," Thalassery Rural Superintendent of Police Prateesh Kumar said.

Taking a serious view of the incident, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has asked State DGP T P Senkumar to conduct a probe into the blast.

"Home Minister has directed DGP to conduct a probe and submit a report," Home Minister's office sources said at Thiruvananthapuram.

The incident has triggered concern as it came in the background of efforts to constitute peace committees in the area following frequent BJP-CPI-M clashes.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders alleged that CPI-M was deliberately trying to torpedo the peace efforts.