Palakkad (Kerala) | Four people, including an armed forces member, have been arrested for allegedly assaulting police personnel during a vehicle inspection conducted as part of the anti-narcotics drive, Operation Toofan, in Palakkad district, officials said on Friday.

Jinesh (28), who is serving in the armed forces and was on leave; Ranjith (37); Praveen (39); and Aneesh (35), all Mannarkkad natives, have been arrested.

Officials at the Hemambika Nagar police station said the incident occurred on Thursday night when police were conducting vehicle checks at Pazhampully near Paittamkunnam as part of Operation Toofan.

According to police, the accused were travelling in a vehicle that was stopped for inspection.

Agitated over the vehicle search, Jinesh allegedly assaulted police personnel and picked up an argument with Sub-Inspector Sudarsana S, officials said.

When Civil Police Officers John Xavier and Rajeesh intervened, Jinesh allegedly attacked them as well.

Sub-Inspector Sudarsana also sustained injuries in the incident, police said.

Police personnel at the spot later overpowered Jinesh.

However, as he was being shifted to a police vehicle, the other three accused allegedly intervened and attacked the officers, officials said.

Additional police personnel rushed to the spot and took all four accused into custody.

Police said all the accused were heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.

A case has been registered against them under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to commit culpable homicide.

The accused were taken to the police station and later produced before a court for remand proceedings.