A Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) activist from Cherthala allegedly threatened a judge with death during a Kalaripayattu contest at Keralotsavam in Velliyakulam. Athul Krishna, who also runs a Kalaripayattu training centre, stormed the stage at the NSS Hall in Velliyakulam and threatened both the district president of the Kalaripayattu association and the judge. Visuals of the episode have since appeared in the public domain.
Reports suggest that the outburst was sparked by dissatisfaction with the marks awarded to his charges in the competition. During the argument, he allegedly threatened to break his legs and even kill those involved in judging the event. The police were immediately called to the scene and took the judge to safety.
Kalaripayattu association officials filed a complaint with the District Superintendent of Police. Preliminary investigations indicate that Athul Krishna has in the past caused disturbances at similar events, including school-level sports competitions.
Published – 14 Feb 2026 20:12 IST