A shocking incident of domestic violence unfolded at a busy metro station in Kochi on Saturday evening, leading to a swift police response. In an unrelated but significant event, authorities at the city's international airport made a major narcotics seizure, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling.
Metro Station Stabbing: Husband Attacks Wife
In a distressing turn of events, a man attacked his wife with a knife at the Muttom Metro station. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, sending shockwaves through the commuters present. The injured woman has been identified as Neethu, aged 30.
Her husband, Mahesh, 37, a resident of Manathupadam house in Changampuzha Nagar, Kalamassery, is alleged to have stabbed her in the stomach. Prompt action by police personnel stationed at the metro facility prevented the situation from escalating further. They swiftly intervened and apprehended Mahesh on the spot.
The accused was immediately handed over to the Muttom Metro police for further legal proceedings. Neethu, who sustained serious injuries, was rushed to the Kalamassery Medical College Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Police have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact motive behind this brutal attack.
Major Drug Bust at Kochi Airport
In a separate development, Customs officials at Cochin International Airport scored a significant victory against narcotics trafficking. On Saturday, they confiscated a consignment of hybrid ganja valued at approximately Rs 4.3 crore.
The seizure was made from two natives of Kozhikode who had arrived at the airport. The drugs were discovered in the baggage of passengers who landed on an Air Asia flight at around 1:20 AM. Hybrid ganja is a potent variety of cannabis cultivated using advanced techniques like hydroponics in controlled environments with artificial lighting and air-conditioning, often imported from countries like Thailand.
Ongoing Crackdown on Narcotics
This seizure is part of a broader pattern of intensified vigilance at the airport. Earlier this month, on December 18, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Cochin Zonal Unit, intercepted three passengers arriving from Bangkok via Abu Dhabi. An examination of their luggage led to the recovery of 7.5 kg of hybrid ganja, with an illicit market value of Rs 7.5 crore.
The DRI is actively running 'Operation Weed Out' to crack down on the smuggling of narcotics. The efforts have yielded substantial results in the current financial year. The Cochin zonal unit alone has seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including hydroponic weed, methamphetamine, and cocaine, with a total value of Rs 61.7 crore. These operations have led to the arrest of 14 individuals so far.
The twin events in Kochi—a violent crime in a public space and a large-scale drug interception—underscore the diverse challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety and security.
