Kozhikode: A three-member gang allegedly vandalised a restaurant in Kozhikode after refusing to pay for the food they consumed, police said on Sunday. One accused has been taken into custody, while a search is underway to trace the remaining two.
The incident occurred at Aliyans Hotel, a fast-food outlet located opposite MIMS Hospital, at around 9.30 pm on Saturday.
According to police officials, the trio arrived at the hotel and consumed food worth approximately Rs 600. When employees presented the bill, the accused allegedly refused to pay, claiming that no restaurants in the area accepted their money.
The situation escalated into a verbal altercation, following which the accused allegedly vandalised the premises using an iron rod. The display board and a glass almirah used to store food items were damaged in the attack, police said.
A restaurant employee, identified as Shahanad, sustained injuries during the incident.
Police estimated the total damage to the hotel, which had recently commenced operations, at around Rs 1.2 lakh.
When officers reached the spot, the staff and others had managed to detain one of the accused, while the remaining two fled. The Medical College Police on Sunday registered a case and launched an investigation.
Officials said the formal arrest of the detained individual would be recorded shortly. The other two accused have been identified, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend them. Police added that the accused have been involved in multiple criminal cases in the past.
With PTI inputs