Kannur (Keralam) | Keralam Sports Minister O J Janeesh's vehicle was allegedly attacked and blocked by DYFI workers at multiple places in Kannur and Kasaragod districts, where he had arrived to attend various events on Thursday, officials said.

The protests were held in the wake of a clash involving SFI and Youth Congress workers near a Kerala University hostel in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday night.

The incident first occurred when Janeesh, who is also the Youth Congress state president, was travelling to another event in Kannur after attending a programme in Taliparamba.

Some protesters allegedly approached his car, blocked it and damaged the flag mounted on its front, police said.

The protesters also damaged the vehicle's window visor before police intervened and removed them, officials said.

Similar protests, including black-flag demonstrations, were held elsewhere in Kasaragod while Janeesh was travelling to attend events in the district.

Janeesh's vehicle was accompanied by two police escort vehicles, officials said.

Janeesh said that vehicle was attacked in five places in Kannur and Kasaragod districts, "People showing black flags or protesting in those places is not an issue for us at all. That is something that happens democratically; we do not oppose or protest against that. But trying to attack a vehicle means the intention is to attack the person inside the vehicle," he said.

The Congress condemned the attack on the minister, alleging that the CPI(M) was attempting to disrupt the state's peaceful atmosphere.

However, DYFI leaders alleged that Janeesh was responsible for the clash near the University College hostel in Thiruvananthapuram.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the attack on Janeesh in Kannur was carried out with the knowledge of the CPI(M) leadership and vowed to bring those involved, including leaders who allegedly conspired, before the law.

In a statement, he termed the attack allegedly carried out by DYFI and CPI(M) workers against Janeesh as "unacceptable" and said that the conspiracy behind it was clear.

He alleged that the party is continuing to function like a criminal mafia and said the government had a responsibility to stop violent protests involving criminals and quotation gangs.

"Is the CPI(M)'s problem that Minister O J Janeesh led the Youth Congress protest against the Election Commission, which acted unconstitutionally, and the BJP government?" he asked