Kalpetta: Panamaram panchayat member who switched sides and voted against LDF in the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition was assaulted on Thursday. It is alleged that irate CPM workers attacked him at Panamaram town.

The CPM-led LDF lost power in the panchayat following the cross-voting. Opposition UDF sponsored the no-confidence meeting on Wednesday.

Benny Cheriyan, the Janata Dal (S) member who has been on an indefinite agitation in front of the panchayat office against the corruption in the panchayat and favouritism in appointments, was already under fire from CPM leadership for his agitation. JDS expelled Benny on Wednesday after the voting.

Benny said he complained to the district police chief, claiming that he feared he would be attacked because his hunger had tarnished LDF's image.

Benny raised corruption allegations in the purchase of street lights and furniture for Rs 1 crore by the ruling LDF. "I have also opposed the out-of-the-way appointments to the vacancies in the panchayat office under the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), which has also antagonised some CPM leaders," he said.

"UDF brought the no-confidence motion citing these very issues. The CPM leadership failed to sort out the issue amicably," he added.

On Wednesday, there was a protest march in Panamaram against Benny, and threatening slogans were raised. They also warned him of dire consequences, he claimed.

The Panamaram police have filed a case against seven persons in connection with the attack on Benny. They have been charged under wrongful restraint (126 (2)), hurt with dangerous weapons and other means (118 (1)) and attempted murder(109 (1)) of BNS.