Missing UDF candidate found with BJP worker; appears before magistrate

THALASSERY: UDF candidate and Muslim League worker TP Aruva (29), who had gone missing from the 9th ward (Kanjirathin Kezhil) of Chokli panchayat, appeared before the magistrate along with a BJP worker. The woman informed the magistrate that she had left home on her own. Following this, the magistrate allowed her to leave with the young man.

For the past three days, the disappearance of the candidate had triggered intense political arguments. The UDF alleged that the CPM had staged a drama to split votes in a ward where a tight contest was expected. They also accused the CPM of hiding the candidate. However, LDF leaders denied any involvement.

Meanwhile, Aruva’s mother, Najma, filed a complaint with Chokli police stating that her daughter was missing. During the investigation, police found that Aruva had gone with her friend, a BJP worker. Both were then contacted and produced before the magistrate.

The candidate had been actively involved in campaigning from the time of filing her nomination, including house visits. The UDF leadership had also been unable to reach her over the phone. Aruva’s rivals in the ward are LDF’s NP Sajitha and BJP’s Prabija.