The police on Friday arrested a youth on the charge of attacking a flex printing press at North Kalamassery and assaulting an employee there.
The alleged incident took place around 10.30 p.m. on Thursday. The youth, identified as Varghese, 28, a resident of Glass Colony, Kalamassery, was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. He was slapped with IPC Section 308 (Attempt to commit culpable homicide).
According to the police, an argument over printing a banner congratulating the youth’s sister who had secured A-Plus in all subjects in the SSLC examination led to the assault. He had dropped in at the press along with a friend to get the banner printed. Prasad, 24, the only staffer left at the press, said since the designer had already left, it was not possible to print the banner. This did not go down well with Varghese who allegedly picked a quarrel with the employee.
Varghese grabbed a rod, meant for rolling down the shutter, and hit Prasad on the head, severely injuring him.
He then went on to smash the door, computer, and other equipment at the press, the police said, adding that Varghese was a history-sheeter.
Meanwhile, the Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violence in the region. This was the third such incident in the last 20 days. Hardly a month ago, a youngster was hacked on his leg while trying to help his friend escape from the wrath of some drunken people, while a trader was allegedly attacked by goons for not giving into their demand for money.
