Dispute over price; fruit vendor hacked by intoxicated youngsters who came to buy orange and apple

KATTAKADA: Intoxicated youngsters hacked a fruit vendor in Kallikkad, Kattakada. The victim has been identified as Rajan (42) of Thattarikathu House, Kallamam, Veeranakavu. He is currently undergoing treatment at Medical College Hospital. The police have arrested Rajeev (25), a native of Nellikkunnu Kottur, in connection with the incident. Another of the accused, who fled the place, has not been identified.

According to the police, Rajeev and his friend arrived at the shop by around 9:20 pm and asked for apples and oranges. Rajan gave them the fruits and asked for money. At the time, the youths argued that the price was high. Soon afterwards, Rajeev took a sword and hacked Rajan, who suffered injuries on his back, hands and thighs. On hearing Rajan’s screams, the locals rushed to the spot and subdued Rajeev. Meanwhile, Rajeev’s friend fled the place. Rajeev is an accused in the 2021 police attack case in Nellikkunnu colony, said the police. Fruit vendor Rajan underwent a surgery at the hospital. The Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi has protested over the incident. A hartal will be observed in Kallikkad on Tuesday.