Thiruvananthapuram: Police have arrested one person in connection with the hacking of two men following a clash between two groups during a temple festival in Kovalam. The arrested individual has been identified as Sachin, 30, a resident of Vizhinjam.
Sachin is the third accused in the case. He was taken into custody from R K N Road by the Kovalam police. Officials stated that a special squad has been formed to trace and arrest the remaining accused. Police revealed that Sachin had earlier been convicted in a case of abetment to suicide linked to his wife's death and was released from prison in 2020.
The clash occurred around 10:30 pm on April 23 during the Kuzhivila temple festival at Neelakeshi Pandara Vilakam, Venganur. The injured were identified as Naveenraj, 32, and his friend Vishnudev, 30, both natives of Kovalam. Naveenraj sustained a deep cut on his left arm, severing a nerve and causing a fracture. Vishnudev suffered a stab injury to his abdomen.
According to police, the violence stemmed from an argument between Arun Chandran, a friend of the victims, and Pranav, the second accused, during the temple festival. Though the group initially dispersed, the accused allegedly regrouped and returned to attack Arun. When Naveenraj and Vishnudev intervened, they were attacked with sharp weapons.
Police have registered a case against Unni, who runs a hotel named Kerala Cafe in Kovalam, and his associates Pranav, Sachin, and Vipin Raj. Police stated that other accused will be arrested soon.
