Kochi: CCTV points to chase, big attack

Kochi: Two BTech students were chased and cruelly assaulted by a gang in spite of them pleading for mercy after being forcibly evicted from a luxury bus of ‘Suresh Kallada Travels’ last Sunday.

The CCTV footage collected from various buildings at Vytilla by police for investigation into the assault case revealed that the goons were in an inebriated condition when assaulting Sachin C.M. and Muhammed Ashkar.

In a footage, Sachin was seen pleading with folded hands not to beat him again. However, the thugs continued to thrash him brutally again.

“At one point, he fell to the ground unconscious. The assailants threaten to kill him and one of them was seen carrying a beer bottle to attack the youth. They soon realise the presence of CCTVs and forcefully take him away,” sources said. In another CCTV, the goons were seen taking him along the National highway, kicking and beating him all along. Suddenly, Sachin is seen trying to escape and manages to flee. He dangerously runs across the highway to save his life.
“We are yet to identify more accused besides the seven arrested by inspecting the CCTV footage,” said an investigation officer.

Meanwhile, owner of ‘Suresh Kallada Travels’ K.R. Suresh Kumar appeared before the Thrikkakara ACP Stewart Keeler on Thursday evening after dodging the police direction twice in the last two days.

“We quizzed about the antecedents of the staff of the luxury bus and if norms were followed in employing them. He was also asked about the staff’s attitude towards passengers with so many complaints in social media,” the officer said.