Attack allegedly by BJYM activists following TV channel visuals

A group of youngsters, who reportedly belonged to the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), attacked a restaurant on P.T. Usha Road near the fourth gate here on Thursday.

The protesters attacked the new restaurant — Downtown Café — alleging that the owners facilitated immoral activities for students. They went on a rampage shattering the glass panes and destroying furniture, television sets, and other property.

It was alleged that the BJYM activists, led by Prakash Babu, staged a protest after a television channel aired visuals of young couples and students at the restaurant. Soon, the organisation informed other television channels about its agitation.

‘There is evidence’

The Vellayil police have registered a case on the basis of a complaint filed by the owners of the restaurant.

Mr. Babu said that the BYJM had evidence to prove that the restaurant indulged in immoral activities. This would be handed over to the police, he said.

However, managing director of the restaurant Bazil Moosa denied the allegations.

He also said that there was a closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed in the restaurant and that no such incident had come to their notice.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi has demanded that the police arrest those involved in the attack. Samithi president T. Nazeerudin, who visited the restaurant, also said that the organisation would be compelled to resist such attacks on commercial establishments at any cost.

Attack condemned

Malabar Chamber of Commerce secretary M.A. Mehaboob said that the tendency of political parties destroying business centres under of guise of moral policing should be nipped in the bud.

The culprits should be brought to book and given exemplary punishment, Mr. Mehaboob said.