Kollam, Thursday, May 12, 2011: The Crime Branch has arrested three persons in connection with the attack on scribe in Kollam. Those held are Shihab, Ani and Mahesh, all natives of Kollam.

The Crime Branch began probe into the attack on ‘Mathrubhumi’ reporter VB. Unnithan at Sasthamcotta on April 25.

The journalist was attacked in Kollam on April 16 by a group of people who came on bikes. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and was subjected to an emergency surgery.

Unnithan, a native of Sasthamkotta, is said to have been manhandled following some reports that appeared in the daily prior to the Assembly elections.

Managing Director of Mathrubhumi, MP Veerendrakumar, had urged the government to refer the case to the Crime Branch on the ground that it was a result of conspiracy.