Attack on DYFI leader: three held

Thiruvananthapuram: The police have arrested three Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists in connection with the attempt on the life of a Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) worker, �Chukkran Renjith, at Chembakassery Junction last Sunday. The prime suspects were identified as �Pathu Pradeep of Palkulangara; Mahesh of Karickakam; and Mahesh of Palkulangara.

Investigators said �Pathu Pradeep had a personal score to settle with Renjith and he carried out the attack without the knowledge of the RSS leadership.

According to the police, Renjith had bullied Pradeep several times and persuaded him to defect to the DYFI. Pradeep sought the support of some RSS workers from Mannanthala who had a grudge against Renjith, one of the main accused in the murder of RSS activist Mannanthala Renjith in 2008. They conspired with Pradeep and others to attack Renjith, local committee secretary of the DYFI Vanchiyoor unit.

Investigators said the assailants bought machetes from a shop in Chalai and hid them under a pile of coconut husks near the Fort Government Hospital. They assembled at the spot on June 27 and started scouting for Renjith on motorcycles from daybreak. They spotted him at 6.45 p.m. The police said two of the motorcycle-borne assailants knocked Renjith down. The others tailed them on a motorcycle and in a car. They were eight in all, armed with machetes. They hacked Renjith who sustained over 12 deep cut injuries. His limbs were almost severed.