Alappuzha: Lorry driver held for killing bikers

Alappuzha: In a Kanichukulangara-model attack, the 38-year-old driver of a tipper lorrry mowed down a biker and his pillion-rider at Thuravoor on Saturday. According to the police, the incident took place at Ottamamassery near Thuravoor around 7 pm on Friday when the victims were returning home after painting work. The victims were identified as Subin, 27, Kalathil, Anthakaranazhi and Johnson, 40, Kattu thayyil, Anthakaranazhi.

K R Manoj, Circle inspector, said that Shibu, 38, a native of Cherthatala, was arrested while three other members involved in the crime were still absconding.

“He orchestrated the crime in retaliation to a past enmity. No other conspiracy is suspected behind the incident. The accused, who was a lorry driver, had known them for years. The over-speeding lorry driven by an allegedly drunk Shibu hit the bike. The accused was caught when he tried to hit and run. But the police thwarted his plan stopping the vehicle nearby Pallipad-Chavedy road. The accused will be produced before the court tomorrow”, CI said.

Meanwhile, the death of bike riders was caused due to head injuries sustained after they were thrown off the road from the impact of the collision. Both died while being taken to hospital. The bodies have been handed over to relatives after the postmortem.

This tragic incident brings to mind the infamous Kanichukulangara murder case on July 20, 2005 when a lorry rammed into a Tata Safari carrying T.G. Ramesh, Promoter, Everest Microfinance company and Latha, his sister, and Shamsuddin , driver. It was later identified as a planned murder masterminded by N.S. Sajith and K.M. Binish Himalaya Group, managing directors, over business rivalry.

After three-year-long legal proceedings, a trial court presided by Alappuzha Principal Sessions Judge D Sreevallabhan awarded the death sentence to the lorry driver. Five others including Sajith and Bineesh were sentenced to life imprisonment and were also directed to pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh each. They are still languishing in jail.

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