Murder: city police seize three cars

The city police have seized three cars in connection with the murder of gangster ‘Kannadi' Shaji at Sree Chithira Nagar near Kowdiar on November 2.

The vehicles, including the one operated by a rent-a-car firm in Veli, were seized on the basis of a statement by Ajith, who was with Shaji when the latter was murdered, that the four-member gang had fled in a car after the crime.

Ajith, who is in police custody since Wednesday, is being subjected to intensive questioning. The gang had reportedly pulled down Ajith from the motorcycle before attacking Shaji. Ajith was not injured, though Shaji suffered 23 injuries, including six fatal ones.

Investigators say several gangsters, including Ambalamukku Krishnakumar are under surveillance. Ajith in his statement to the police had said that Krishnakumar and one Sanish were among the four occupants of the car. Several gangsters have been taken into custody.

The police have stepped up the patrolling in the Kowdiar-Ambalamukku-Peroorkada locality in view of reports that rival gangs will carry out retaliatory attacks.

Two youths arrested

The city police have arrested two youths involved in robbery and extortion in Chakka and Enchakkal localities under the Vanchiyoor police station limits.

According to the police, the arrested were Lijith, a resident of Vallakadavu and Jithu alias Mithun Francis, hailing from Vellayani.

The duo was arrested by the Vanchiyoor police in connection with the alleged attack on a hotel owner in Enchakkal, who had refused to given them money.

The two were reportedly collecting funds by extortion to secure bail for Karali Anoop, who had been detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act.