Shashi Tharoor's security attacked during campaign in Keralam

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's security team was attacked in Kerala, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about safety during election campaigns.

IMAGE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, along with UDF ally IUML leader and former minister PK Kunhalikutty (right), during an election campaign in Malappuram in Kerala, April 3, 2026. Photograph: Courtesy Shashi Tharoor on X

Key Points

The police registered a case and taken one person into custody following the attack on Tharoor's security personnel.
The incident occurred when Tharoor's convoy was obstructed while he was en route to an election campaign event.
Tharoor confirmed he was unharmed and that his schedule remains unaffected by the incident.

A person has been taken into custody after Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's gunman and driver were allegedly attacked by a five-member group at Wandoor in Malappuram, the police said on Saturday.

According to the Wandoor police, a case has been registered, and one person is currently in custody.

The police said the case was registered based on a complaint lodged by Tharoor's gunman, Ratheesh K P.

As per the FIR, the incident occurred at Chellithode near Thiruvali in Wandoor at around 7.30 pm on Friday.

Police officials said the incident took place when there was a roadblock at the Chelithode bridge as Tharoor was on his way to attend an election campaign event of Congress leader A P Anilkumar.

According to the FIR, the accused, who were travelling in two vehicles, blocked the MP's vehicle.

When the gunman attempted to clear the obstruction, he and the driver were allegedly attacked, the FIR said.

The police said the road was narrow and the gunman had only asked the vehicle ahead to move faster to ensure smooth passage for the MP's convoy.

One person was taken into custody late Friday night, and the remaining four accused have been identified and will be apprehended soon, the police added.

Tharoor's response to attack

Meanwhile, Tharoor posted on the 'X' handle that he was untouched in the incident.

Tharoor said that he is truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when his 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," he said.