Image credit : Illustrative Image

Kochi: Police believe that terror forces took part in the anti-GAIL pipeline violence at Eranjimaavu near Kozhikkode on Wednesday.

Activists of outfits like SDPI and Welfare Party incited violence and left after fomenting trouble, trapping people in the locality, police said.

As many as 21 people were arrested and produced in court. They were booked under charges of attempt to murder and destruction of public property among others.

The situation turned tense after protesters damaged two GAIL excavators and a generator on Tuesday night. Violence began at Eranjimaavu on Wednesday when they first targeted GAIL vehicles.

Police used lathicharge and teargas and razed to the ground the tent put up by the protesters. Many protesters, mediapersons, GAIL staff and police suffered injuries in the lathicharge and stone-pelting. Two State Transport buses, Gail vehicles, ten police vehicles were damaged by protesters, police said.

More than 200 cops from different stations and rapid action force personnel were posted at the place.

The Congress-led UDF is observing hartal in the affected areas on Thursday. Congress leader MI Shahnawas, MP, joined the protesters who picketed Mukkam police station Wednesday night.