Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Feb 14: The Udupi City police on Friday, February 13, arrested five individuals in Yellapur, Uttara Kannada district, in connection with a murderous assault involving a sword near PPC Cross. The attack was reportedly the fallout of a trivial argument that started at a hotel.
The arrested accused have been identified as Akshat Pai (27) from Kunjibettu, Sushant (25) from Shivalli, Ramananda Pai (42) from Udupi, Santosh Koraga (38) from Uppoor, and Shashank Nayak (25) from Alevoor.
The victim, Sharath Kundar, had gone for dinner at a hotel in Manipal on January 30, 2026.
Bacground
During the visit, a minor altercation broke out between Sharath and the accused over an accidental physical contact. Harbouring a grudge over the incident, the prime accused, Akshat Pai, allegedly contacted Sharath under the pretext of reaching a compromise and asked him to meet near PPC Cross.
At approximately 11:30 pm, while Sharath was conversing with his friends at the designated spot, the accused arrived in Tata Safari and Mahindra Thar vehicles. The gang launched a sudden attack, abusing Sharath and assaulting him with a sword and iron chairs.
In an attempt to defend himself, Sharath sustained severe injuries to his right palm, middle finger, and left wrist. When his friends raised an alarm, the assailants issued life threats and fled the scene. Sharath was immediately rushed to Hi-Tech Hospital for treatment.
Police action
Following the registration of a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Udupi City police station, a special team led by the station in-charge inspector tracked the absconding suspects. The team successfully apprehended them in Yellapur.
The police have seized a Hyundai Venue car valued at approximately Rs 8 lac and two mobile phones used in the commission of the crime. The accused will be produced before the court for further proceedings.