Two officials of excise team attacked by drug mafia 

KOLLAM: A drug mafia attacked the excise team near Mundakkal beach. A gang of the accused attacked the Kollam excise special squad when they seized drugs from them. The attack took place when Ratheesh alias Lara, a native of Mundakkal, was caught selling drug pills in Udayamarthandapuram slum. 41 (22.9 grams) tablets were recovered from him. As per the information provided by excise IB preventive officer Sreekumar, the special squad led by excise inspector Vishnu came for inspection.

Sujith and Ajith, natives of Mundakkal and Lenin Bosco of Century Nagar were caught by the excise team during the raid. However, the first accused Ratheesh was rescued jointly by his brothers Sudheesh and Girish, Sanofer and three others known to him.

Civil excise officer Julian Cruz fractured his right hand in the attack. Civil excise officer Sooraj sustained injuries on his eye and lower lip. Others in the party also suffered injuries. The police have registered a case against those who assaulted the excise officials.

Apart from excise inspector Vishnu, preventive officer Prasad Kumar, CEOs Srinath, Nidhin, Ajith, Julian Cruz, Gopakumar, Suraj and driver Subhash were in the team.