KOCHI: The man who slapped a 15-year-old boy in the middle of the road and broke his eardrum in the anger of having to stop the car by sudden braking was arrested. Manu Phalgunan (23) of Araykaparambil house, Puthuvype was arrested. The student, who hails from Cheranalloor, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kaloor.

The incident took place at the High Court Junction on the 25th around 2 pm. After waving his hand to stop Manu's car, which was coming from Menaka side, the 15-year-old and his friends suddenly crossed the road. Angered by having to sudden break to stop the vehicle, Manu beat the 15-year-old and choked him as people were watching. He then left in his car.

The student who felt excruciating pain in his ear, came home and told his mother. He sought treatment at a private hospital. The hospital authorities informed the police as they found that the eardrum was broken. The Central Police registered a case on the complaint of the child's mother.

The car was identified from the CCTV footage of the High Court premises. Manu, a dealer of second-hand cars, was arrested from Ernakulam South Railway Station premises yesterday. He was arrested while he was preparing to go abroad. The accused was nabbed by a team comprising Principal SI Akhil, SI Anoop, SCPOs Unnikrishnan and Shihab led by Central CI Anish.