An assault on an Army officer during an NCC training camp at KMM College of Arts and Science in Kerala’s Thrikkakkara has sparked widespread outrage. The incident occurred late on December 23 after a crowd, allegedly led by CPI(M)/ Students' Federation of India (SFI) District Head Bhagya Laxmi, BJP Local Councillor Pramod, and their supporters, stormed the camp premises.
The tension began when over 80 participating cadets reportedly showed symptoms of suspected food poisoning, including vomiting. Acting on unverified media reports, the intruders disrupted camp operations and, at around 11.30 pm, two individuals physically assaulted a uniformed officer on duty.
A video of the incident, submitted as evidence, shows the officer maintaining composure and refraining from retaliation despite being attacked.
In response to the food poisoning scare, the State Health Department collected food, water, and stool samples from the camp for analysis. However, no conclusive results have been shared yet.
Camp Commandant Lt Col Karnail Singh expressed disappointment over the police's handling of the case.
"This inaction raises serious concerns about the safety of NCC cadets and officers," he said.
The police have reportedly asked the camp authorities to provide addresses and contact details of the alleged attackers to proceed with the investigation.
Two people have been arrested in the case. Kochi Police Commissioner, P Vimaladitya, said, “In the Thrikkakara camp incident, two people have been arrested who were involved in the manhandling of the officer from the forces (Army).”
A further probe is underway and legal action will be initiated against those who are involved, added the police official.
Source: India Today