Alappuzha: While district police is taking strict steps to curb violent gangs, a fresh incident of murder has taken place in Kavaloor here on Tuesday.
In the latest incident, a 37-year-old meat trader was allegedly hacked to death in front of his neighbors late on Tuesday night. The deceased has been identified as Sony, son of John, Velangad house, Ayyankali junction, Aryad.
North CI G Santhosh Kumar said that no one had been arrested in connection with the incident. “It took place on Tuesday night after a four- member gang reached his home for talks regarding a quarrel with the victim a couple of days ago”.
The gang allegedly took him to a nearby area on the pretext of talks as his wife and two children were in the house. Soon after, hearing the screams of Sony, the neighbours and relatives rushed to the spot and saw him soaked in blood. The gang reportedly continued hacking in front of the neighbours.
Later when the gang fled, the local people rushed the victim to the Alappuzha Medical College hospital, but his life could not be saved, the CI said.
He added that past enmity between Sony and one of the gang members appeared to be the motive. Last Sunday, a clash between Sony and one of the gang members took place at Aaryad. The gang went to the house of the victim on the pretext of settling the issue, police said.
Sony was running a meat shop at Pathirapally. He was also accused in many cases including attempt to murder. Nandhu, a rival gang member was taken into police custody for questioning.
This is the 8th murder in the district in four months. After the incidents of violence increased in the district, the police had launched a crackdown on gangs. An accused in many cases was arrested under Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) on Monday from Haripad by the district police. Another seven goons were also arrested under the act during this year from the district, but violence has continued.
