Man arrested for attacking munsiff-magistrate inside chambers

Kottayam: A man attacked a munsiff-magistrate inside her chambers in Chengannur on Wednesday morning. According to police, a man identified as Arun Mohan, from Mulakuzha, who was wearing a helmet and a raincoat, barged into the chamber of munsiff-magistrate Amala Lawrence and tried to assault her after confirming her identity. The incident occurred around 10am.Startled, the munsiff ran towards the staff office. She was injured after falling twice while fleeing. Two employees who tried to stop the accused were also injured in the scuffle.The accused also stomped on the chest of a staff member who fell. A glass bottle that had been concealed inside his coat fell and shattered on the floor. The munsiff by then ran into the bar association office near the court to take shelter.The accused then tried to escape; however the court staff and autorickshaw drivers nearby restrained him and handed him over to the police. The injured judge and court employees sought treatment at a hospital.A case has been registered and legal action against the accused is under way.Chengannur Bar Association president George Thomas said that the father of the man had filed a case in the munsiff court seeking protection from the son who he alleged was repeatedly harassing him, trespassing into the house and abusing him. Following this, the court had issued a restraining order against the accused. This may have prompted the accused to resort to violence.Following the incident, lawyers boycotted Chengannur court proceedings on Wednesday.