Published Apr 04, 2026 | 12:37 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 04, 2026 | 12:37 PM
Shashi Tharoor. (X)
Synopsis: According to the complaint filed with the local police, a group that arrived on a bike allegedly followed the MP’s car, intercepted the vehicle, and engaged in a verbal altercation. The situation escalated when the gunman intervened, after which he was allegedly abused and physically assaulted by the group.
An alleged road rage incident involving Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was reported from Vandoor in Kerala’s Malappuram on Friday, 3 April night, after a group reportedly blocked his vehicle and assaulted his gunman.
The incident occurred at Chellithode near Vandoor when Tharoor was travelling to attend an election campaign event for A. P. Anil Kumar.
According to the complaint filed with the local police, a group that arrived on a bike allegedly followed the MP’s car, intercepted the vehicle, and engaged in a verbal altercation. The situation escalated when the gunman intervened, after which he was allegedly abused and physically assaulted by the group.
He allegedly sustained injuries in the incident and later lodged a formal complaint.
Police have registered a case against five persons under non-bailable sections. One accused, identified as Ummer from Kalikavu, has been arrested, while two others are reported to be in custody. Authorities have also taken into custody vehicles allegedly used by the group.
Preliminary reports suggest the incident may have been triggered by provocation during a traffic jam, possibly related to honking. However, police said it is yet to be determined whether there was any political motive or premeditated intent behind the attack.
An investigation is underway, and officials indicated that the exact sequence of events and motive will become clearer after detailed questioning of the accused.
Responding to the incident Shashi Tharoor in an X post said, “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.”
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…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 4, 2026
Responding to another X post, he stated, “Please don’t worry. Four campaign days to go — some people’s tempers are fraying.”
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
