AMBALAPUZHA: An Excise CI filed a complaint with the Ambalapuzha Police that the attack that took place at Kanjipadam last night against the Excise team, which came to arrest those who indulged in public drinking and use of intoxicants, was led by a policeman.

Preventive Officer H Nasser (49) and Civil Excise Officer GR Ranadive (37) of Kuttanad Excise Circle Office who were injured in the attack sought treatment at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital. Ranadive's nose was seriously injured. The incident happened around 10 pm on Friday.

Excise CIs KR Krishnakumar, H Nasser and GR Ranadive reached by car on learning that there was a drug gang on the north side of the Kanjipadam bridge. The group, sitting on the slabs between the pillars under the bridge and drinking, launched an attack on them.

Excise officials were hit in the face with a stone and injured. The assailants snatched Ranadive's ID card. The Excise CI has identified one of the thrashed gang as a policeman who was earlier working at Alappuzha South Police Station.

A complaint has been lodged with the Ambalapuzha police against those including him. The beaten policeman was a member of the rowing team of the police team in the rowing competitions.