Man shot with air gun during temple festival clash in Kerala

Malappuram: A man was shot with an air gun during a clash that broke out amid a temple festival in Chembrasseri in Kerala's northern Malappuram district, police said on Saturday.

Lukman Hakeem, a 32-year-old, suffered a severe gunshot injury to his neck during the attack that occurred on Friday night. He is currently undergoing medical treatment at the government medical college hospital located in the neighbouring Kozhikode district.

According to police, multiple individuals were injured in the clash, which broke out between two local groups over a festival-related issue. Authorities have initiated an investigation, but as of now, no arrests have been made.

A local resident, who was injured in the clash, recounted the events, stating that a group of individuals from a nearby area launched a surprise attack on them, wielding pepper spray, sticks, and iron rods. Amidst the chaos, one of the attackers was seen firing his air gun into the air, the injured man revealed in an interview with TV channels.

He said he suffered a hand injury, while many of his friends sustained wounds on their heads, hands, and legs during the violent clash. He also alleged that those who attacked them were local goons.

(inputs from PTI)