ALAPPUZHA: Three of the prime accused in the attack on an Excise team during a raid on a spirit den in Kariyilakulangara in Alappuzha district on July 16 last year were sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.1 lakh each by Mavelikara Additional Sessions

Judge K. Ramakrishnan on Thursday. Those sentenced were Harikumar, Manoj and Aji Kumar.

Aji Kumar is a local leader of the Democratic Youth Federation of India.

Controversy

The case had grabbed headlines after the accused attacked a team led by Excise Circle Inspector S. Jayakumar during a raid following a tip-off.

Mr. Jayakumar was seriously injured in the attack and was in hospital for several months.

Nearly 10,200 litres of spirit was seized during the raid. Allegations that the spirit den was located in the residence of CPI(M) leader M. Bhaskaran's wife and that several political leaders were in connivance with the spirit mafia had kicked up a controversy.

The CPI(M)'s Alappuzha district unit had come under criticism because Mr. Bhaskaran was a member of the district committee at that time.

There was a big crowd outside the court. A huge posse of police and the media were present.

Special Prosecutor Salim Kambisheri and Assistant Public Prosecutor John Varghese appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

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