Kaduthuruthy (Kottayam): A history-sheeter who was admitted to hospital after a scuffle with neighbours succumbed to his injuries on Friday. Saji Bhaskaran (50) had allegedly attacked Molly (60), wife of his neighbour Neeralathil Baby of Kappunthala, and attempted to rape her. Baby’s brothers C C John (60) and C J Raju (58) had come to Molly’s rescue and a fight took place between them and Saji, said the police. All of them were hurt in the incident and were admitted to hospital, where Saji succumbed to his injuries.
Saji, who was an accused in several criminal cases, including those related to attempt-to-murder, had a dispute with his neighbour Baby’s family. Around noon on Friday, Saji reached Baby’s house. When Molly opened the door as Baby was not at home, Saji forced his way into the house and attacked her. “He also tried to rape her,” said a police officer.
However, Molly raised an alarm and neighbours Reena, John and Raju rushed to Baby’s house. John and Raju, who came to Molly’s defence, were stabbed by Saji. Still, they overpowered him. Other local people also reached the spot and locked Saji inside a room of the house.
Police too arrived at the scene and took Saji, John and Raju – who were injured – to a nearby hospital. Saji, who had serious injuries, was soon shifted to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital, but could not be saved.
A tragic life
Saji’s wife and three children had committed suicide some years ago by drowning in a pond near their house. Blaming neighbours for the incident, Saji used to attack them often, said the police.
“Four years ago, Saji had assaulted another neighbour named Ajith Kumar. He had also tried to run over Thomas, another brother of Baby, with a van,” said the police officer.
Saji had been in prison in connection with these cases, but had recently secured bail and was released. “He launched the latest attack after coming out of prison,” said the officer.
The police officers who arrived at the scene included District Police Chief D Shilpa; Kaduthuruthy SHO K J Thomas and Sub-Inspectors Bibin Chandran and Jayakumar.
