Malappuram: It has been reported that an auto rickshaw driver collapsed and died after being assaulted during a conflict with the bus crew at Odukkungal near Kottakkal in the district.
The deceased driver has been identified as Abdul Latif (49), a resident of Manoor near Kottakkal. The exact cause of death is not known. The police said that the cause of death will be confirmed after post-mortem examination.
It is said that Latif was assaulted by the bus driver and the auto driver after picking up a passenger at the Vadackemanna bus stand. In the footage aired on Manorama News, the bus driver is seen assaulting Latif.
The injured Latif was taken to the Malappuram Taluk Hospital where he collapsed and died, police said. Three bus crew members have been taken into custody by the police following the incident. It is said that the bus crew involved in the conflict were working on the Manjeri-Tirur bus.
The police interrogated the bus crew and took evidence from the locals. Sources said that Latif's body is in the mortuary of Malappuram Taluk Hospital and will be taken to Manjeri Medical College Hospital for post-mortem.