Man arrested for attacking police officer with helmet during Onam event

A civil police officer was seriously injured late Sunday night when a youth allegedly attacked him with a helmet during the Onam festivities in Thiruvananthapuram. The incident occurred at Manaveeyam Veedhi after the official conclusion of the celebrations at Kanakakkunnu Palace.

The officer, identified as Sreejith, is attached to the Special Armed Police (SAP) Camp. The Museum Police have arrested the accused, Akhil Krishnadev, in connection with the assault.

According to officials, police personnel had asked festival-goers to vacate the palace premises around 10 p.m. following the formal end of the event. A crowd subsequently moved towards Manaveeyam Veedhi, prompting deployment of personnel from the Museum Police and the SAP Camp to clear the area. When the crowd initially refused to disperse, police reportedly used force to move them along.

After the area was cleared, the personnel sat down on a nearby platform to rest. It was at this point that Akhil, who had earlier left the scene, allegedly returned carrying a helmet and struck Sreejith on the head.

Akhil sustained six stitches to his head and was admitted to the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. Police recorded his statement from the hospital.