Synopsis: Residents of Thamarassery, Kodencheri, and Omassery panchayats alleged that the stench from the plant has made daily life unbearable and that untreated effluents have been contaminating the Iruthulli River, a crucial water source.

A long-simmering conflict over a controversial poultry waste treatment plant in Thamarassery, Kozhikode, turned violent on Tuesday, 21 October, when a protest demanding the closure of the Fresh Cut facility became chaotic at Ambayathode.

What began as a peaceful agitation by residents, frustrated by years of inaction over their complaints of unbearable stench and pollution, spiralled into arson, stone-pelting, and a police lathi-charge.

According to police, tensions flared when a company vehicle attempted to pass through the protest site and was pel

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