T’puram: Three men were arrested for allegedly intercepting a govt contractor’s car, dragging him out and assaulting him at Puttummelkonam Junction in Vilappilsala on Aug 10.The arrested were Muhammad Haja, 20, of Chirakkode, Asif, 19, and Afsal, 19, both of Umman Kuzhi, all under the jurisdiction of Vilappilsala police. A team led by SI Aneesh apprehended them near Gurumandir in Kattakada on Sunday night.The victim, Noormuhammed, 56, of Oottukuzhi, was travelling from Kattakada to Vilappilsala when the incident occurred. Police said the five-member group, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, followed him on two motorcycles from near Manthoppil Thamburan Kavu at Malappanamkode.As Noormuhammed approached a sharp curve at Puttummelkonam, the two motorcycles allegedly overtook his car and blocked the vehicle. The accused then opened the car door, pulled him out and assaulted him in the middle of the road before fleeing.Police said there was no apparent provocation for the attack. CCTV footage from the area proved crucial in identifying the accused and tracking their movements following the incident.The first and fifth accused remain absconding and police have intensified efforts to trace them. The three arrested men were produced before a court.
