Investigation into the recent attack on gangster Thammanam Shaji and his brother P K Nizar is picking up the pace, the police have said.
Both were gravely injured in a scuffle between activists of two prominent political parties.
S Vijayashanker, Sub-inspector, Palarivattom, said the police were zeroing in on activists of a Left trade union.
“Police have prepared a list of 15 members who were reportedly involved in the attack. We have information that they are active mem-
bers of a prominent trade union.
“We are collecting more details about the people involved in the attack. One of the accused has moved to the court seeking anticipatory bail. Once the technicalities are completed, police will arrest the accused,” he said.
Police are reportedly investigating different dimensions of the attack, in which a prominent gang leader was attacked in the broad daylight.
Shaji and Nizar, who are said to be closely associated with a prominent ruling party, had suffered injuries in the attack. Shaji suffered injuries to his head and his brother lost two fingers.
The Kochi police, which had suppressed a bloody fight between different gangs a few years back, is reportedly scanning the activities of people who were once linked with criminal activities.
“The murder of industrialist Imthiyas Khan, which happened some months ago, opened a new chapter in criminal activities in the city. This murder was a typical quotation murder.
“Now the return of Thammanam Shaji and gang has the potential to generate more trouble. The criminal elements can be tackled only by developing a zero tolerance policy,” a police officer said.