'Marunadan Malayali' editor Shajan Skaria assaulted by DYFI activists; Police register attempt to murder case

THODUPUZHA: Investigation found that it was DYFI activists who attacked the online media portal 'Marunadan Malayali' editor Shajan Skaria the other day. A case of attempted murder has been registered against five people who are known to have been involved in the incident. Efforts are ongoing to identify them.

A case has been registered under sections such as gang assault and grievous bodily harm. The incident took place at Mangattukavala near Thodupuzha city at 6.45 pm on Saturday. The assault happened while Skaria was going to a resort on the Moolamattom route to attend a wedding reception.

A five-member gang in a black jeep stopped Shajan Skaria's vehicle mid-road and roughed him up. Skaria was dragged out of the car and beaten up. He suffered injuries to the nose. A police team led by Thodupuzha SHO S. Mahesh Kumar rushed Shajan Skaria to the hospital. Shajan was initially admitted to the Thodupuzha District Hospital and later shifted to a private hospital for specialist treatment. It is reported that his health condition is stable.

Investigating officers are collecting CCTV footage from the area where the attack took place. Shajan Skaria alleged CPM's role in the attack and said the party chose violence as a last option after knowing that they could not defeat him legally. It is reported that the accused meticulously planned the attack and was keenly following Shajan’s movements.