Shopkeeper hacked, vehicles vandalised; Fear grips Mannanthala over worsening gang violence

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police intensified the investigation into the gang that unleashed a series of violence in Mannanthala. The Mannanthala police are on the lookout for the gang that hurled fireworks and vandalised vehicles at a house in Ambazhakode, Mannanthala. Police said that the attack was carried out by Sarath and his group, who are accused in several cases. It is reported that the violence was a result of a dispute between two gangs.

The gangs created a tense atmosphere in the locality at midnight yesterday. There are also complaints of the gang roughing up a shop owner, blaming the fact that the banana put for sale was not ripe. The trouble started when Sarath and his friends were questioned by Rajesh about speeding on their bikes. Rajesh, another history-sheeter, is accused in several cases.

Enraged by this, the gang hurled firecrackers at Rajesh's house. Later, they smashed three auto-rickshaws, two cars and a bike parked on the roadside.

It was before this incident that the gang hacked shopkeeper Ponnaiyan. He suffered injuries to his neck and face. Those injured in the attack have filed a complaint with the police. The police said that further action will be taken after recording their statements.