KUTTIYADI (KOZHIKODE): The police was forced to release CPM branch secretary Ambath Ashokan, who was taken into custody on a court arrest warrant in Nittoor near Kuttyadi, after a group of about 50 people stopped a police vehicle and attacked the officers. The incident took place late last night. Injured Kuttyadi SI VK Aneesh, CPO Rajeesh, and home guard Sunny Kurian were admitted to Kuttiyadi Govt Hospial and MSP CPO Sabin was admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

Police have registered a case against about 50 people, including Ashok's wife, in connection with the release of the accused from custody. The case is for assaulting police and obstruction of duty.

The police team had come to the house to execute the arrest warrant against Ashok in the case of the May 21, 2016 bombing of BJP activist Mani. According to police, while Ashokan was taken to the police vehicle, a group of people released him through force. The police vehicle was also damaged.