The victim, Mathan, a native of Chemmad tribal settlement in Koodalkadavu, was dragged for about 500 metres after he confronted the accused, who were allegedly harassing local residents.

The victim, Mathan, a native of Chemmad tribal settlement in Koodalkadavu, was dragged for about 500 metres after he confronted the accused, who were allegedly harassing local residents.

The victim, Mathan, a native of Chemmad tribal settlement in Koodalkadavu, was dragged for about 500 metres after he confronted the accused, who were allegedly harassing local residents.

Mananthavady: The police took two youngsters into custody early on Tuesday in connection to the dragging of a tribal man along the road with a car at Koodalkadavu here on Sunday afternoon.

The accused in custody have been identified as Muhammed Arshad (23), son of Ibrahim, Puthanpeedikayil House, Pachilakkad, and Abiram S (21), son of Sujith, Kakkarakkal House, Pachilakkad, near Kalpetta. The duo was apprehended from a hideout near Kalpetta after their location was tracked earlier.

ADVERTISEMENT

The police are continuing their search for the remaining two accused — Nabeel and Vishnu, both natives of Panamaram — who are still absconding. Officials suspect the two are hiding within the district, prompting intensified vehicle checks at border checkposts to prevent their escape.

The victim, Mathan, a native of Chemmad tribal settlement in Koodalkadavu, was dragged for about 500 metres after he confronted the accused, who were allegedly harassing local residents. Mathan’s hand became caught in a car door, leading to him being dragged along the road.

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking to media reporters at the hospital on Tuesday, Mathan said the local residents had been particularly vigilant in recent days due to a rise in drug and alcohol misuse in the area. "For the past few days, when tourists arrived at the Checkdam, we were on higher alert. I did not know the attackers before this incident," Mathan stated.

Meanwhile, Minister for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Communities Welfare O R Kelu visited Mathan in the hospital. "I have given strict instructions to the police to take stringent legal action against the culprits," the Minister said.