Lodge owner among 7 absconding in Kaloor assault case

Kochi: City police have intensified efforts to arrest the prime accused and his associates in the assault of two women in the early hours of Tuesday. A lookout notice is being prepared against the main accused, Akbar Ali, a native of Mannarkkad and owner of Highland Lodge in Liberty Lane, Kaloor.

According to a senior police official, Ali was previously booked in a criminal case within city police limits and is also alleged to have been running an illegal prostitution racket alongside his lodging business. When police attempted to raid the lodge, they were unable to enter as it was closed at the time.

The incident occurred around 4.30am when the complainant and her friend, both students preparing for govt recruitment examinations, were walking along Chakkalapadam Road to have tea. Near a tea stall, they encountered a 10-member group who questioned their presence at that hour and made obscene gestures at one of the women. When the women objected, an argument broke out.

As the complainant attempted to record the incident on her phone, Akbar allegedly snatched the device and smashed it before assaulting her. The women sustained serious injuries after the accused allegedly stomped on one of the victims' chest and stomach.

Police have invoked charges including assault with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment, and assault with intent to disrobe, along with sections related to the physical attack.

While Ali and six others remain absconding, three of his employees, Alvin, a native of Edappal in Malappuram, and Arun and Sabith, both from Mannarkkad in Palakkad — were remanded to judicial custody on Wednesday.