Idukki: A gas agency worker was tied to a pillar and brutally assaulted near Anakkara on Wednesday evening, allegedly by a group engaged in the illegal black-market sale of domestic LPG cylinders. Five people were charged and police arrested a father-son duo.

The incident occurred at Melvazhavu when employees of a Bharat Gas agency arrived to provide new connections to migrant workers. According to police, the accused confronted them, leading to an altercation and violent assault.

Jismon Sunny, a staff member of the Bharathgas agency at Vellaramkunnu and a native of Thangamani, was tied to a pillar with a plastic rope and assaulted. His colleague, Pratheeksha, from Pathumury, Kumily, was also attacked, verbally abused and physically harassed by women in the group. 

Residents alerted the police and officers from Vandiperiyar reached the spot, freed Jismon, and dispersed the crowd. Both employees sought treatment at a private hospital in Kattappana. Kumily police then registered a case and launched an investigation. Palpandi and his son Ashokan, natives of Melvazhavu, were arrested from their home after questioning and subsequently remanded in custody on Thursday. 

“We were just doing our job when Ashokan, Palpandi, and others suddenly rushed in and beat us. They tied me to a pillar with a plastic rope and attacked me. My colleague Pratheeksha was slapped, thrown to the ground and kicked in the stomach. She is still undergoing treatment,” Jismon told Onmanorama. “I will have to undergo one more CT scan before doctors can decide on my discharge,” he added.

Police said the attackers also looted ₹42,000 in cash and a 1.5 sovereign gold chain from the victims.  Three more suspects are yet to be apprehended.