Suspicious armed men spotted roaming Paravoor streets at night, police step up patrols

Kochi: A sense of unease has gripped residents in the Paravoor Municipality's Stadium locality after CCTV cameras captured two men loitering with a suspicious weapon in the early hours of Friday. The spooky footage has prompted local authorities and North Paravoor police to step up patrolling, as the residents fear the men could be part of a larger criminal group. 

The incident happened around 1.15 am on Friday, when the two individuals were seen walking along Paravoor Stadium Road. Surveillance video from a nearby home shows them with their heads covered with shawls and one of them carrying what appears to be a rod-like weapon.

Minutes later, a two-wheeler approached, causing the men to react quickly, running and hiding behind a parked rickshaw. According to the police, the rickshaw was parked right in front of the house of the young man on the bike. When he stopped, the men fled, alarming him, who later alerted neighbours and the police. 

The video has since been shared widely among residents. North Paravoor Police confirmed they conducted immediate inspections but found no signs of break-ins or attempted thefts in the locality. While they haven't identified the individuals yet, they said it could be some local youths. However, they have continued surveillance on Saturday night and have assured residents that patrolling has been increased.

Meanwhile, the residents remain on high alert. There are also reports of another sighting of someone jumping the boundary wall of a school in the area on Friday night. All these have the neighbourhood on edge, and the police are investigating both incidents.