Gang of 10 attacks 2 women, asks why outdoors at 4.30am

Kochi: Two women, who were out to have morning tea, were attacked by a 10-member gang in Kaloor on Tuesday early morning. The CCTV footage of the attack showed one of the attackers kicking a woman and slamming her onto the ground before kicking her again.

City police arrested three members of the gang and search is on for the remaining seven, including two women. The arrested persons are Arun and Sabith, from Palakkad and Albin Simon, hailing from Malappuram. The prime accused in the case is Akbar Ali, a Mannarkad native and owner of Highland Lodge in Liberty Lane, Kaloor, police said. Police are also investigating his suspected criminal history.

The attack occurred around 4.30am, 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 the women why they were there in the early hours. 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. The women sustained serious injuries as the accused stomped on her chest and stomach. The accused also allegedly attempted to tear the complainant’s dress.

DCP Shahansha K S said that the remaining accused will be arrested soon. He said that even the women who were with the accused are party to the crime. “It was the women who told the victims that the others (men involved in the attack) have something to tell them,” he said.

Police have invoked sections including assault or use of criminal force against woman with intent to outrage her modesty, sexual harassment and assault or use of criminal force against woman with intent to disrobe against the accused, apart from relevant sections for physical attack.

The DCP added that the police are mulling over adding additional sections and provisions of special laws. He said that although the preliminary understanding is that it was Akbar who attacked the woman, the others instigated and facilitated the crime, leading to them being named accused. He added that the victims did not know any of the accused.

Meanwhile, there were reports that the police posed questions to the victims which could be perceived as victim-blaming, but the officers said that the detailed narration was asked due to procedural necessity.