KOCHI: A three-member unidentified gang on Sunday went berserk at the office of a Malayalam TV channel, causing large-scale damage and assaulting the channel’s reporters. The incident, which occurred around 1.30 pm at the Janam TV’s office, was apparently prompted by the report on the slow pace of renovation works at the Azhakiyakavu temple in Palluruthy aired by the channel.
“Three men, claiming to be members of the temple committee, came to Janam’s office and two of them gave their name as Udayan and Shine. They claimed to be members of the temple committee. Soon the trio picked up a fight with the staff and damaged the office furniture. They twisted my arm and shoved the other staff present there,” said a channel crew.
The Elamakkara police registered a case under IPC Sections 451(trespass), 323 (Causing hurt) and 427 (causing damage).Officers said a manhunt is on for the perpetrators. “We have registered an FIR and efforts are on to track them down. However, it has not been established whether they had indeed given their real names and not an alias. It won’t be long before they will be rounded up,” said an officer. Thrikkakara ACP P P Shams visited the Channel office in the afternoon.