Pothukallu (Pothukal) is located between Palunda and Munderi (9.0 km from Palunda in the Nilambur Taluk of Malappuram District).[1] Pothukallu is well known for its greenery, hospitality of the natives, and availability of all basic amenities, including schools, hospitals, shopping centers etc.
There is a police station,forest station, mosque, church, and temple at nearby locations. Pothukallu is located at the boundary of three districts namely, Wayanad and Malappuram of Kerala state and The Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu.
Pothukallu village is one of the most beautiful places in Malappuram district. People from all communities live with cooperation and unity. The area was part of Nilambur Kovilakam before independence.
Naxalite threat
In November, 2016, three naxalites were killed near Karulai in an encounter with Kerala police. Naxalite leader Kappu Devaraj from Andhra Pradesh is included in the list of killed in the incident.[2]
Villages like Mundakkadavu, Kalkullam and Uchakkulam near Karulai are threatened by Naxalite attacks. Naxalites visit the locality regularly and ask for food and shelter from the tribals. The police are also combing the area regularly but have not arrested any naxalites.
On 27 September 2016, there was firing between the Maoists and the Kerala police in this area and no one was injured in this incident.[3]