A resolution passed at the Kunnothparamba regional conference of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) describing the person who was killed in a bomb-making incident at Panur in Kannur, Kerala as a “martyr” has sparked a fresh controversy.
Sherin died on 5 April 2024 in an explosion at Mooliyathod in Panur while he was allegedly assembling a crude bomb. Another young man lost his hand in the incident. Reports had earlier suggested that around 15 DYFI activists, including Sherin, were involved in the bomb-making.
The Marxist leadership of the Communist Party of India (CPI(M)) at the time denied any party connection with this activity. Both district and state officials clarified that Sherin was not a CPI(M) worker. However, the visits of local CPI(M) leaders to Sherina’s house after the explosion created political controversy.
Despite earlier denials, Sherin’s name was included in a list of “martyrs” read out at the DYFI conference, reigniting the debate.
Party officials have so far declined to comment when contacted by the media.
The issue had earlier gained further attention after the election of Amal Babu, an accused in the Panur Muliyathod blast case, as the CPI(M) Meethale Kunnothparamba branch secretary. Although the branch was initially disbanded citing no party connection to the incident, Amal was appointed secretary a year after the blast.
Published – 03 Nov 2025 14:05 IST
