Published Apr 04, 2026 | 12:37 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 04, 2026 | 9:35 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.
Police have arrested two men for allegedly obstructing the official vehicle of Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, and assaulting his gunman at Thiruvali Chelithodu bridge on Friday evening.
According to the complaint filed by the MP’s Personal Security Officer (PSO), the incident occurred around 7:30 pm on 3 April, when the MP was travelling to Vandoor. A group of about five identifiable persons, led by the first accused, arrived in two cars and blocked the MP’s vehicle.
The arrested men have been identified as Ummer (38) and Abdul Salim (40).
The incident occurred at Chellithode near Vandoor when Tharoor was travelling to attend an election campaign event for AP Anil Kumar.
The complaint said 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.
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 block, 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)
