Alappuzha: Three history-sheeters were held and one is absconding in the case of assault and armed robbery of a youth in Kayamkulam on Sunday. The arrested are Anoop Shankar (28), his brother Abhimanyu, also known as Sagar (24), natives of Krishnapuram, and Amal, also known as Chinthu (24) of Pathiyoor Village. The fourth accused Rahul is currently absconding.

The incident occurred on Thursday, May 16, at 1 pm near Aakkanad colony in Kayamkulam. Krishnapuram native Arun Prasad (26) was verbally abused and physically assaulted in the face, head, elbows and knees using hands and stones by the accused first on the ground north of the colony and then by the side of the railway track nearby.

The police said the assault was in retaliation to Arun Prasad handing over the mobile phone of Anoop Shankar to the police. In addition to assault with stones, Abhimanyu threatened Arun Prasad with a machete while Rahul struck Arun Prasad on the back and left shoulder with a club. Arun Prasad suffered a shattered diaphragm on the right ear and was robbed of his phone and watch in the assault.

The arrested Anoop Shankar, brother of Abhimanyu, is an accused in 17 cases and has served jail time under KAAPA (Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007). Amal too has served jail time under KAAPA and is presently banned from entering the district as part of it. A case has been registered against Amal for violation of the Act. The search is on for Rahul.