Drug gang attacks man, hacks him and sets car on fire in Neyyattinkara

NEYATTINKARA: A 38-year-old man was attacked and hacked by a three-member gang suspected to be involved in drug trafficking while he was returning after visiting his wife at a private hospital. The gang also vandalised his car and set it on fire in the early hours of Thursday. The victim has been identified as Pradeep, a native of Nadoorkolla, Neyyattinkara. The attack took place around 1 am.

The incident occurred in an isolated area. Pradeep was travelling in a friend's car when the gang intercepted him. The attackers first tried to hack him on the neck. However, he managed to block the attack with his hands, suffering serious injuries. They then hacked him on the chest and back and brutally assaulted him. The reason behind the attack is yet to be ascertained.

Pradeep managed to escape and alerted the Marayamuttom police station before seeking treatment at the Neyyattinkara General Hospital. He sustained several injuries to his hands and required multiple stitches.

The car was also smashed and set on fire using petrol. When the police reached the spot, the vehicle had been partially gutted. However, after the police left, the attackers reportedly returned and poured petrol on the car again before setting it on fire.

Local residents suspect that a gang involved in drug and alcohol abuse, which regularly gathers near Thethoor pond along the roadside, was behind the attack.

Residents said such incidents were common in the area. They alleged that the gang regularly blocks the way of women, including those going to pick up schoolchildren and Anganwadi teachers, hurls abuses at them and behaves inappropriately. They also alleged that repeated complaints to the police against the drug mafia in the area had failed to bring any relief. The police have intensified their search for the accused, who are currently absconding.