Thiruvananthapuram, Friday 21 November 2008: Industries Minister Elamaram Karim said that the attack on the clay factory of Ashapura Mine Chem Limited at Menankulam on Sunday was part of a conspiracy. The manner in which the factory was attacked and the furniture, computers, machinery and the office vandalised pointed to conspiracy by certain quarters, Minister said.

He said the District Collector and Revenue officials had started investigation into the incident and the report was expected within a week. “The police have registered a case in connection with the attack. The government will take suitable action after getting the report from the District Collector.” The Minister said the company had invested Rs.100 crore in the clay factory and was carrying out trial run when the attack took place.