Fast food outlet attacked after trio refuse to pay Rs 600 bill in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: A fast food restaurant in Kozhikode was allegedly ransacked by a three-member gang after they refused to clear the bill for the food they had eaten, police said on Sunday. Officials confirmed that one suspect has been detained, while efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the other two accused. The incident took place at Aliyans Hotel, situated opposite MIMS Hospital in Kozhikode, around 9.30 pm on Saturday. Police said the trio arrived at the eatery and consumed food worth approximately Rs 600. When staff members presented the bill, the accused allegedly declined to make the payment, claiming that no restaurants in the locality accepted their money, an official said. Following a heated exchange, the group allegedly attacked the establishment with an iron rod, damaging the display board and shattering a glass almirah used to store food items, police said. A restaurant employee, Shahanad, was injured during the assault. According to police, the hotel — which had only recently begun operations — suffered losses estimated at around Rs 1.2 lakh. By the time officers reached the spot, the staff and locals had managed to hold one of the accused, while the other two managed to escape. Medical College police registered a case on Sunday and launched a probe into the incident. Officials stated that the formal arrest of the detained individual will be completed shortly. The remaining two suspects have been identified, and teams are working to apprehend them. Police further added that the accused have a history of involvement in several criminal cases.