Mallappally (Pathanamthitta): A newlywed couple was allegedly assaulted by a group of youth while travelling for their wedding day photoshoot. The attack reportedly took place after not giving way to a motorcycle.

The Keezhvaipur police have arrested four persons, including three brothers, in connection with the case. The arrested have been identified as Abhijith Aji (27), his brothers Akhiljith Aji (25) and Amaljith Aji(22) from Kallooppara Nedumpara, and Mayukh Nath (20)

The victims, Mukesh Mohan (31) from Kolanical Mala, Nedumpara, and his bride Deepthimol, a native of Kottayam Kurichy, were attacked on August 17 evening around 4 pm, shortly after their wedding ceremony. The couple, along with photographers, was travelling in a car when the accused intercepted their vehicle, alleging that the vehicles that were heading from Mukesh’s house had not given way to Abhijith’s bike.

According to reports, Abhijith stood in front of the car, forcibly stopping it, before physically assaulting both the bride and groom. The other accused smashed the rear windshield, damaged the car doors.

Investigations revealed that the assault may also have been fueled by an old rivalry. Reportedly, on Abhijith’s own wedding day last year, a scuffle had broken out between his friends and Mukesh’s associates, leading to long-standing tensions between the groups.

Police records show that Akhiljith and Amaljith are already accused in another assault case registered last year by Keezhvaipur police, involving an attack on a Nedumpara resident using an iron rod and twigs.

The investigation into the current case is being led by Inspector Vipin Gopinath and Sub-Inspector K. Rajesh.