KOLLAM: A youth was killed in a clash that broke out during a festival venue at the Kunnikode Kokkad temple. The victim has been identified as Manoj (39) of Kokkad Manu Vilasam. The slain Manoj was Chakkuvarakkal mandalam president of the Youth Front (B).

The incident happened late last night. Manoj was found lying with a deep injury on his neck and his fingers were found severed. Manoj found abandoned on the road was rushed to the hospital by the police and the locals, but his life could not be saved.

Meantime, his death is a political murder and the congress are behind the act, alleged K B Ganesh Kumar.

However, KPCC Executive Committee member Jyothi Kumar Chamakala said the congress has no role in the incident and the accused will be nabbed at the earliest after an investigation.