Tension escalated in Chalakudy on Saturday (May 17, 2025) after Left Democratic Front (LDF) activists stormed the municipal office in protest against the growing stray dog menace. The protest, triggered by stray dog attacks that injured 12 people, turned chaotic when demonstrators smashed chairs and flower pots inside the office premises.
The march to the municipality began around noon, with protesters clashing with the police who tried to block their entry. Undeterred, the agitators pushed past the police barricades and rushed to the office. Shouting slogans, they vandalised furniture and stormed the chamber of municipal chairman Shibu Valappan.
After a brief demonstration inside the chairman’s chamber, the group dispersed. Following the incident, the police filed a case against around 15 individuals based on a complaint filed by the municipal secretary.
The protest was a response to an incident the previous day at Koodappuzha where a stray dog attacked and injured 12 people. Two of the victims — Liji, 51, from Pulluparambu and Davies, 62, from Elinji Prapallissery — were admitted to Thrissur Government Medical College Hospital, while the others received treatment at Chalakudy Taluk Hospital.
Witnesses reported that the stray dog had been attacking pedestrians since early morning. The dog was later found dead.
Published – May 17, 2025 08:36 pm IST
