Convicted Kerala CPI(M) councillor accused of parole violation after joining Payyannur protest in Kerala

V.K. Nishad, a CPI(M) councillor convicted in a case involving an attempt to kill police personnel by hurling a bomb, has sparked controversy after allegedly violating parole conditions by participating in a party protest at Payyannur in Kannur. Nishad who is serving a 20-year-prison sentence, had been released on emergency parole citing his father’s illness.

Rules prohibit parolees from taking part in any political activities during the parole period. However, Nishad was seen participating in a CPI(M) protest held at Payyannur on Monday against expelled party leader V. Kunhikrishnan. Video footage showing Nishad’s presence during the protest has since surfaced, raising questions over enforcement of parole norms.

According to sources, Nishad returned to the Kannur Central Jail only after the protest concluded. The alleged violation has drawn widespread criticism, with demands for action over what is being termed a breach of parole conditions.

While in prison, he contested the local body elections and was elected as a councillor to the Payyanur municipal council.

In November 2025, a court sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. He was granted emergency parole on December 26, barely a month after the conviction, citing the need to attend to his father, who reportedly required knee surgery. The early grant of parole itself had sparked controversy.