Student killed in violence during new year fete in Kerala

New year celebrations in Kerala were marred by two incidents of violence as a college student was stabbed to death in Palakkad and three CPI(M) workers were injured in an attack allegedly by RSS activists in the politically sensitive Kannur, police said today.

Sujit (19), a first year student, died on the spot and his 16-year-old friend was injured when members of a rival group attacked them at 3 AM during new year celebrations at Kottayamkkad in Elavancherry Panchayat in Palakkad.

The youth had been hospitalised with serious injuries, police said.

There was previous enmity between two groups of people which led to the stabbing, they said, adding, further investigation was underway.

The CPI(M) activists were attacked at Panur in Kannur following a dispute with the RSS workers over who should write 'Happy New Year' graffiti on the road, they said.

The injured persons had been rushed to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital and the condition of one of them is stated to be serious, police said.

Elsewhere, Keralites ushered in the New Year by thronging temples and churches across the state and offering prayers.

Police made elaborate security arrangements to ensure smooth new year celebrations.