A violent altercation in the bustling tourist area of Papanasam in Varkala on Sunday afternoon left two autorickshaw drivers with serious stab wounds, sending shockwaves through the coastal town. The assailant, a man who had returned from the United Kingdom, was swiftly overpowered and arrested by police.
Violent Afternoon at Altharamoodu Junction
The incident unfolded around 3:30 PM on Sunday at the Altharamoodu Junction near Papanasam. The two injured drivers have been identified as Sandeep, 45, and Suresh, 41, both of whom operate their autorickshaws from that junction. The accused, Suresh, 44, a native of Vakkom who was residing in the UK, arrived at the spot, leading to a heated argument with the drivers.
According to preliminary police reports, the verbal clash, which began over an unspecified issue, rapidly escalated into physical violence. The accused allegedly first assaulted Sandeep. When the other driver, Suresh, stepped in to intervene and separate them, the situation took a more dangerous turn.
Knife Attack and Emergency Response
In a sudden and brutal move, the accused pulled out a knife and stabbed both men. Sandeep sustained a deep wound to his back, while Suresh was stabbed in the chest. The attack caused immediate panic in the area, which is typically crowded with tourists and locals.
Alert local residents rushed to help and informed the Varkala police. Both injured men were first rushed to the Varkala Taluk Hospital for emergency care. Given the seriousness of their injuries, they were later shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Parippally, Kollam, for advanced treatment. Their condition was reported to be serious.
Swift Arrest and Rising Safety Concerns
Personnel from both the tourism police and the Varkala police station reached the scene promptly. They managed to overpower the accused and took him into custody. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine the precise motive behind the sudden and violent attack.
This shocking incident has raised significant safety concerns in Varkala, a prime coastal destination. The fact that such violence erupted in a busy area frequented by tourists and local transport workers has prompted discussions about security measures. The local community and auto unions are likely to seek reassurances from authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future.
