A local leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), PV Sathyanathan was hacked to death during a temple festival at Koyilandy in Kerala’s Kozhikode district.

The incident happened on Thursday night during a festival at the Cheriyapuram Temple.

CPI(M) district secretary P Mohanan claimed that the local leader was attacked with an axe.

A bandh has been declared in Koyilandy today in protest over the leader’s death, he said.Further details are awaited. (Inputs from ANI)