Kozhikode: Bombs were hurled at the houses of the CPI(M) and BJP leaders in Koyilandy on Tuesday, the day various trade unions observed Bharat bandh. The houses of the CPI(M) leader K Shiju and corporation education standing committee chairman, and VK Mukundan, BJP mandalam secretary, were attacked.

The bomb was hurled at the house of CPI(M) leader early on Tuesday morning (3 AM). A bomb was thrown at the house of Mukundan at 5 AM this morning. The window panes of the house and doors were damaged. No injuries were reported.

Also read: Bharat Bandh: 48-hour strike hits normal life in Kerala

Meanwhile, the BJP MPs staged a protest in the Parliament complex in New Delhi on Monday against incidents of violence targeting their leaders in Kerala. A crude bomb was thrown at the residence of Rajya Sabha MP V Muraleedharan. It is alleged that the CPI(M) members have done it.

The BJP MPs, including Bhupender Yadav and Shobha Karandlaje, were seen holding placards near the Gandhi statue at the Parliament premises to condemn the alleged violence against their leaders in the state.

The BJP has launched an extensive campaign to highlight the alleged targeting of its workers in the southern state after it joined the Sabarimala protest.

Meanwhile, many shops were open at SM street in Kozhikode and Kochi on January 8. Earlier, Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi member said that shops will remain open on the two days of the Bharat bandh.

At the same time, many shops in Gujarati street in Kozhikode were pelted stones in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to police sources, a total of around 2,182 cases have been registered and about 6,714 arrests have been made in connection with the violent protests in Kerala on the hartal day (January 2).

Hospitals, airports, marriages and tourism sectors have been excluded from the strike. Sabarimala pilgrimage would also not be disrupted.

Several schools across Kerala will be closed on January 8 and 9.