Manimala (Kottayam): A young man, Sumith (30) from Vazhoor, was saved from a murder attempt in the Ponthanpuzha forest thanks to the swift action of an election monitoring team. Sumith, who sustained severe injuries, has been admitted to Kottayam Medical College following the incident on March 13.

The election officials were conducting vehicle inspections along the Kottayam-Pathanamthitta district border. The team, comprising U S Harikrishnan, P T Dileep Khan, R Sreejith Kumar, and Anu, encountered Sumith fleeing from the forest, clad only in a shirt and undergarments. His face was covered in blood, and he bore acid burns to his mouth and face.

Responding promptly, the officials notified the Ranni police station and arranged for an ambulance to transport Sumith to Ranni Taluk Hospital. From there, he was transferred to Kottayam Medical College Hospital for further treatment.

Following an investigation led by the Manimala police, Sabu Devasya (40) from Idukki and Prasid (52) from Kodungur were arrested in connection with the incident. Reports suggest that Sumith and Sabu Devasya had a history of enmity.