Attempted murder of SI: Three held for helping accused escape

MUVATTUPUZHA: In a major development in the attempted murder case of a sub-inspector at Kalloorkad, police have taken into custody three friends of the main accused. Investigators believe the trio played a key role in helping the suspects escape after the attack. The vehicle used to ram the officer has been successfully identified. A coordinated manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the absconding accused, who hail from Thodupuzha.

The victim, Grade SI EM Muhammed(55) of Kalloorkad Police Station under the Ernakulam Rural Police limits, sustained serious injuries in the attack. He suffered significant injuries to his right leg and shoulder and has been admitted to St. Mary's Hospital in Thodupuzha, where he is scheduled to undergo surgery.

The incident occurred around 4:15 PM yesterday at Vazhiyamchira on the Kalloorkad–Nagapuzha–Thodupuzha road. SI Muhammed was conducting a vehicle inspection when he stopped a Hyundai Santro car parked in an isolated area by the roadside. After parking the police jeep in front of the car, he asked the passengers to step out. When they refused, he attempted to remove the car key. At that moment, the driver suddenly reversed the car, running over Muhammed’s leg and fleeing the scene. Muhammed, who fell to the ground, sustained further injuries.

Senior CPO Jibi, who was with him, informed the police station, and more officers arrived at the scene. Muhammed was then rushed to the hospital in a Fire and Rescue Department ambulance. Initial reports indicate that the two individuals in the car were involved in drug distribution. There is also suspicion that they were attempting to smuggle drugs. A case of attempted murder has been registered against them.