Thiruvananthapuram: An autorickshaw driver was attacked by a gang during broad daylight on Friday near Thycaud allegedly by a gang led by a ganja peddler. Revenge over giving tip-off to the Excise regarding the ganja peddler was said to be the provocation.
Kochuveli resident, Sheefek, who is a native of Vithura, was assaulted and his autorickshaw damaged. The incident took place near Swathi Thirunal Music College at Thycaud by around 12.30 p.m.
Shefeek alleged that a gang led by one Aneesh of Vithura attacked him. He said that he had given information to the Excise couple of weeks back about ganja peddling by Aneesh and the Excise team had held him with 50 gram ganja. A case was also registered against him, but was sent on bail.
Sheefeek and Aneesh were known to each other since long time as both were natives of Vithura.
Shefeek said that on Friday morning Aneesh called him and said he wanted to meet him. Aneesh came in a car along with four others and blocked Shefeek near the Music College Road. Aneesh said that Rs 10,000 from his house went missing after an Excise raid and insisted that Shefeek should give it. As Shefeek refused it, the gang damaged the autorickshaw and attacked him. Shefeek escaped with minor injuries and reported to police.
Thampanoor police said that the whereabouts of the accused were being traced. A police team has already gone to Vithura and the accused could be arrested soon, said the police.
