Shashi Tharoor’s Gunman, Driver Attacked By Group of Miscreants in Kerala’s Malappuram; 1 held

A person has been taken into custody after Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s gunman and driver were allegedly attacked by a five-member group at Wandoor in Kerala’s Malappuram district, police said on Saturday (April 4). The incident occurred around 7.30 pm on Friday at Chellithode near Thiruvali while Tharoor was travelling to attend an election campaign event of Congress leader AP Anilkumar. The complaint was filed by the gunman, identified as Ratheesh KP, based on which the case was registered.

The attack happened when there was a roadblock at the Chelithode bridge, where the accused, travelling in two vehicles, allegedly blocked the MP’s convoy. The escalation occurred when Ratheesh KP attempted to clear the obstruction, and he and the driver were attacked, according to the FIR. Officials noted that the road was narrow, and the gunman had only requested the vehicle ahead to move faster to ensure smooth passage for the convoy.

The Wandoor Police said one person was taken into custody late Friday night, and the remaining accused have been identified and will be apprehended soon. Meanwhile, Shashi Tharoor said he was not harmed in the incident. Posting on his ‘X’ handle, he expressed gratitude for the concern shown by well-wishers. “Truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when my security guard was attacked. He is well and I was untouched. Thank you to all friends and well-wishers. We carried on undaunted yesterday and concluded two more events as planned. And our ongoing programme remains unaffected,” his post read on X.

The incident comes amid the ongoing campaign for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 9 across all 140 constituencies, with results to be declared on May 4. As the political climate heats up, security concerns for politicians and their teams are on the rise. This attack highlights the potential dangers faced by politicians and their staff during election campaigns.

Shashi Tharoor’s team has not released further details about the attack, but the swift action of the police in apprehending one of the accused suggests a determined effort to maintain law and order in the state. The incident has not disrupted the Congress leader’s campaign schedule, as he continued with his planned events.

The 2026 Kerala Assembly elections are considered high-stakes, with the ruling Congress party aiming to secure a third consecutive term under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), led by LDF leader Ramesh Chennithala, is challenging the incumbents. The attack on Tharoor’s gunman and driver could potentially influence voter sentiment, but it remains to be seen how the incident will play out in the broader political landscape.

As the police continue their investigation and apprehend the remaining accused, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of politicians and their teams during the election campaign. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those involved in the political process, particularly in a state like Kerala, where election campaigns can sometimes turn volatile.

In the aftermath of the attack, Shashi Tharoor’s team has emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong security presence and the need for all stakeholders to work together to prevent such incidents from escalating. The swift response of the police in apprehending one of the accused is a positive step towards restoring confidence in the security apparatus and ensuring a smooth conduct of the elections.

As the election day approaches, the incident in Malappuram serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks faced by politicians and their teams. The security of all candidates and their staff is paramount, and all efforts must be made to ensure that the electoral process remains peaceful and orderly. The ongoing campaign will continue to be closely watched, with the Kerala Assembly elections set to determine the political trajectory of the state for the next five years.