THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Four youths have been arrested for brutally thrashing a driver and conductor of a KSRTC bus after stopping the vehicle in Vellanad. Karthik (19), Gokul (22), Muneer (20) and a minor are those held. Two are absconding.

Youths involved in the sale of drugs are behind the attack. The incident happened last evening at Mayilady in Vellanad. The KSRTC bus was going on a narrow road. A six-member group arrived in two bikes. The KSRTC bus gave them side to go but they were seen hurling abuses at the driver.

They then stopped the bike across the bus and dragged the driver out and beat him. They beat the conductor who came to stop the act. The miscreants threw the conductor to a nearby stream. When the locals arrived, the youths fled away from the spot.

The youths threw the bag into the nearby stream while fleeing. The locals said syringes and cash were found in the bag. The driver and the conductor are undergoing treatment. Police said they have intensified search for the other accused in the case.