Kerala: 2 Arrested For Assaulting NCC Officer At Thrikkakara Camp Amid Food Poisoning Scare, Video Surfaces

Kerala News: Two accused were arrested for allegedly assaulting Lt Col Karnail Singh during an NCC camp. The incident followed a food poisoning scare among cadets, leading to a crowd storming the camp.

Two individuals, identified as Nishad from Fort Kochi and Navas from Palluruthi, were arrested for allegedly assaulting Lieutenant Colonel Karnail Singh, the Administrative Officer of the 21 Kerala NCC Battalion, during a camp at KMM College, Thrikkakara. Kochi City Police confirmed the arrests on Monday, stating the accused were apprehended from their residences after being identified by NCC officials.  

The incident, which occurred late on December 23, followed reports of suspected food poisoning affecting over 80 NCC cadets at the camp, news agency PTI reported. The affected cadets reportedly exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, leading to significant unrest.

A crowd, allegedly led by CPI(M) and SFI District Head Bhagya Laxmi, BJP local councillor Pramod, and their supporters, stormed the camp premises, India Today reported.  

According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered by Thrikkakara Police, the accused trespassed into the college hosting the camp at around 11.30 pm, where they stopped, threatened, and subsequently attacked Lt Col Karnail Singh. The officer was stabbed with a sharpened object on his cheek, neck, and back, as per PTI. 

A video submitted as evidence showed Lt Col Singh maintaining composure during the assault, refraining from retaliation.  

Kerala Health Department Yet To Release Test Reports After Food Poising Scare

Earlier, Lt Col Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the police's handling of the case, stating, "Despite clear evidence, including a medical report and video footage, no action has been taken to nab the attackers. This inaction raises serious concerns about the safety of NCC cadets and officers", as quoted by India Today's report.

In response to the food poisoning scare, the State Health Department collected food, water, and stool samples from the camp. However, the results of the analysis are yet to be disclosed, the report stated.

Meanwhile, speaking about the arrests, P Vimaladitya, Police Commissioner, Kochi told news agency ANI, "In the Thrikkakara camp incident, two people have been arrested who were involved in the manhandling of the officer from the forces (Army). further probe is underway."

He assured legal action against those who were involved in the manhandling of Lieutenant Colonel Karnail Singh.