T’puram: Kovalam police on Monday arrested one of the accused in connection with a machete attack on six members of a Chendamelam troupe, who were on their way to attend a temple festival in TN. Two women, including a pregnant woman, were also injured.The arrested accused was identified as Jithu Lal (33) of Thiruvallom. According to police, the attack was allegedly led by Vishnu alias Tower Vishnu. Cases have also been registered against two others, Anikuttan and Kadaappu. The incident occurred on Sunday night on Kovalam K S Road. The victims were identified as Ashwin (21), Vaishnav (24), Pankajan (58), his sons Aneesh (32) and Rajesh (29), and their relative Abhilash (27). Pankajan’s wife Sindhu and Rajesh’s wife Anila sustained injuries.Police said the attack stemmed from disputes over Chendamelam practice noise, objections to outside performers visiting Pankajan’s house, and previous enmity linked to an assault case involving Tower Vishnu. Search for remaining accused is on, said police. TNN
