The Fort police on Monday arrested two workers of the CITU on charge of attacking employees of the Legal Metrology Department, while they were carrying out checks at the Manacaud market. Three employees of the department who sustained injuries in the attack are undergoing treatment at the General Hospital here. The arrested workers have been identified as Sundaran Pillai and Suresh. A third accused, Nandu, is absconding.
Attack during raid
The alleged attack happened during a combined raid conducted by the Legal Metrology Department and the Civil Supplies Department at the market ahead of the Attukal Pongala. The team initially checked the platform balances inside the market and were satisfied with the updated certifications and measures. But the smaller balances in the shops were found to be without proper seals and showing discrepancies.
The officials, after seizing these balances, proceeded to carry out checks in two shops near the entrance of the market. When the balances seized from these shops were being loaded into a vehicle, the CITU workers tried to take them back. “Inspecting Assistant Abdul Gafar Khan tried to stop them, but he was dragged on to the road and kicked.
Those who have been admitted to the hospital are Abdul Gafar Khan (51), Muneer Sha (40) and Shajahan (42).