Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil has come forward with serious allegations, claiming he was deliberately attacked with a lathi by a police official during a protest in Perambra, Kozhikode, on October 10. According to the Congress leader, this particular officer has a history of facing multiple disciplinary actions.
During a press conference held in Kozhikode on Thursday (October 23, 2025), Parambil publicly named the officer as Abhilash David, an Inspector from the Vadakara police control room.
The alleged assault left Mr. Parambil with nasal injuries, necessitating minor surgery.
However, Inspector David later responded to media inquiries, stating that while he was indeed on duty in Perambra that day, he was not part of the police unit assigned to cover the United Democratic Front (UDF) protest march.
Contrasting this, Mr. Parambil presented video evidence of the incident, asserting that David’s actions were unequivocally deliberate. He recounted being struck at least three times with a lathi during the confrontation.
The MP further alleged that David’s record includes a prior suspension for suspected ties to criminal gangs and a reported dismissal from service in January 2023 due to official misconduct during an investigation related to the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Allegations of CPI(M) Connections
Adding another layer to his claims, Mr. Parambil suggested that Inspector David has close affiliations with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)].
The MP recounted the events, stating, “Apart from R. Hariprasad, the then Vadakara Deputy Superintendent of Police who has since been transferred, no other police personnel sustained injuries during the Perambra incident. Mr. Hariprasad’s injury occurred when a tear gas shell he was carrying accidentally burst due to a fallen pin. The UDF workers offered no provocation; I was actively trying to de-escalate the situation and calm them.”
Mr. Parambil strongly implied that the police action against him was orchestrated by the CPI(M), serving as a tactic to distract public attention from the ongoing “gold plate theft” controversy at the Sabarimala temple. He cited the sluggish pace of the investigation into the Perambra incident as further proof of this alleged political interference.
He further revealed that his official statement had yet to be recorded, and the inquiry aimed at identifying those responsible for the attack had reportedly been stalled.
The Congress leader confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged with the Parliamentary Privilege Committee, where video and visual evidence of the police action will be submitted. He also stated his intention to pursue legal action against Inspector David.
Officer Claims Favorable Tribunal Ruling
In his defense, Inspector David informed the media that he had successfully appealed the disciplinary proceedings against him before the State Administrative Tribunal, securing a favorable order that led to his reinstatement.