Shocking assault in Kochi: Group harasses women, smashes phone; three in Police custody

KOCHI: The city police have arrested three individuals in connection with the assault of two young women in Kaloor. The arrested suspects have been identified as Alvin, Arun, and Sabith, all natives of Mannarkkad in Palakkad. The prime suspect, Akbar Ali, remains at large. Police confirmed that a total of ten individuals have been implicated in the case.

The incident occurred during the early hours of the morning on Chakkalapadam Road, near Kaloor Junction. According to sources, the accused are employees of a local hotel in Kaloor.

The altercation began when a group consisting of eight men and two women passed lewd comments at the victims. The women's complaint states that the men in the group made obscene gestures toward them. When the victims confronted the group, a heated argument ensued, which quickly escalated into physical violence.

The assailants reportedly snatched one of the women's phones and smashed it on the ground. CCTV footage of the incident, which has since emerged, also shows one of the women being thrown to the ground and kicked.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) stated that authorities are looking into the business dealings of the prime suspect, Akbar Ali, following certain suspicious leads. A detailed investigation is underway. The DCP further clarified that the victims and the attackers were complete strangers and had no prior acquaintance.