Protests Erupt Over Proposed Liquor Plant in Elappully

Tensions heightened on Tuesday at a panchayat office in Elappully, a northern district, when the state government sanctioned a private company's liquor plant project, police reported.

CPI(M) activists besieged the Congress-ruled panchayat office, alleging project implementation failures. A scuffle ensued as protesters stopped Congress and BJP members from entering, prompting the closure of the gate.

Congress and BJP accused CPI(M) of obstructing a meeting opposing the brewery project. In protest, Congress workers held a road blockade, briefly halting traffic. Five CPI(M) members were detained as further investigations continue. Meanwhile, the Congress-led UDF demanded the state's Left government revoke the approval, citing concerns over local water scarcity.