KOCHI: After a brief lull, gang leaders clashed openly in Kochi during a private ceremony. The altercation involved Thammanam Faisal, who is an accused in nearly 30 cases, and Chocolate Binu, a notorious criminal with links to Omprakash.

The incident occurred in the afternoon during a baptism ceremony at an auditorium near St. Raphael’s Church in Thaikkudam, under the jurisdiction of Maradu Police Station. Both Faisal and Binu had come to attend the event upon invitation from a common friend.

According to reports, Faisal confronted Binu, accusing him of spreading defamatory remarks about him. This led to a verbal altercation that quickly escalated into a physical scuffle. Faisal allegedly pushed and hit Binu. However, the situation was brought under control by other attendees who intervened before the fight worsened.

Chocolate Binu had previously been taken into custody and questioned by the police in connection with handing over narcotics to goonda leader Omprakash at a party held at a hotel in Kochi.

Thammanam Faisal had also drawn controversy months ago when a police officer from Alappuzha was seen attending a wedding reception at Faisal’s residence in Aluva.