Attack on women: Prime accused held

Kochi: City police investigating the attack on two women in Kaloor by a 10-member gang arrested the prime accused, Akbar Ali, on Saturday.Ali was arrested from Palakkad with the assistance of Cherpulassery police. The accused was living out of his car to evade police. Police sources said Ali was trying to modify his car when he was spotted.Ali was trying to leave the state when his phone was traced to Cherpulassery, leading to the arrest. He is expected to be brought to Kochi by Saturday night.The attack occurred in Kaloor around 4.30am on Tuesday, while the complainant and her friend, students preparing for govt recruitment exams, were walking along Chakkalapadam Road to have tea. The gang encountered them near the tea stall. The group reportedly questioned why they were out so early. The accused then made obscene gestures at the complainant’s friend.When questioned, an argument ensued, and as the complainant began recording the incident on her mobile phone, Akbar snatched the phone, smashed it and assaulted the girl.