Kerala CM visits violence-hit village

The government will take firm action against those involved in the violence in Kozhikode district's Marad village, Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony said on Sunday.

Antony, after visiting the families of the nine people who were killed in the violence, gave an assurance to this effect to Araya Samajam leaders.

Director General of Police K J Joseph and District Collector T O Suraj accompanied the chief minister, who gave a patient hearing to the family members.

Arya Samajam leaders Devadasan, T Suresan and K Dasan gave Antony a detailed account of the incident.

Antony said the Cabinet would discuss the need for setting up a fast track court to deal with such cases.

"It has to be ensured that action against culprits involving in violence is not delayed," he said.

"More discussions, involving all sections of the people, are needed to find a lasting solution to the issue," he said, adding the Marad incident had shaken the entire state.

Earlier in the day, angry people of the area prevented a delegation of Communist Party of India-Marxist leaders from visiting the victims' families.