THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A gang under the influence of drugs vandalized the house, family house and vehicles of former branch secretary of CPM. The group entered the house by breaking open the doors and smashed the furniture and windows. Then the house was set on fire. Two nearby houses were also attacked. The assailants escaped from the spot when the neighbours woke up on hearing the sound and came out. Following the incident, a case was registered against 15 people. As per reports, two people are in custody.

The attack took place at 12.30 am on Tuesday at Poochedivila Colony in Kunnukuzhi. The attacked house belongs to former CPM Pulimoodu branch secretary and now CPM member Manu Venugopal. Manu's and his relative's two-wheelers were also vandalized. The museum police said that those behind the attack are the gang members of the colony. Police have taken two people into custody in connection with the incident. The police registered a case against 15 people including Anulal, Abhilal, Sreejith, Achu, Nikhil, Luka, Ajulal and Bijulal. Local residents said that a ganja gang is active in the colony. Manu and locals had come out against this earlier. The police say that this may be due to enmity.

Letting the dog loose was the beginning

Recently Bijulal's pet dog attacked Manu. Manu had told him to put the dog on a leash. On Monday, when Manu was walking on the road, Bijulal let the dog loose. After this, there was an argument between them. According to the police, the attack on the houses took place later that night. At this time, Manu, his wife, three children, father Venugopal and mother Renuka were at home. When the assailants entered the house by breaking the door, the family members went into the inner room and hid. Then two TVs including an LED TV, a mobile phone, 6 front windows, a wooden cupboard, two doors and a sewing machine were smashed by the assailants. Later, the sewing machine was set on fire. Thinking that Manu would be in the family house next door, they also attacked there. Manu's scooter and his relative's bike parked in front of this house were also vandalized.