Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 15: A gang of five riding in two motor bikes had attacked Philip D'Souza (45) when he was returning to his residence in Kajanadka village near Padubidri with his children who were picked up from the spot in Kanjarakatte where they had been for attending tuition classes. The gang attacked him with swords on Monday June 13 evening, as a result of which both his legs suffered deep injuries. Philip stands admitted into a private hospital at Mangaluru.

Philip told the Padubidri police that Naveen D'Souza from Adve village had sought financial assistance from him three days back. "After I refused to lend money, Naveen had vowed to kill me then," he stated. He said Naveen and his accomplices had committed this crime.

Philip runs granite business. When Philip approached his house in his bike with children, the gang intercepted him, asked children to leave, and then attacked the leg of Philip with swords repeatedly. After a female nighbour saw the attack and shouted for help, the gang abandoned Philip and ran away.

Naveen is yet to be found. Locals said that Naveen and Philip were friends since long, and they often fought and then made up. Philip had filed complaint twice in Padubidri police about drunken attacks by Naveen. Padubidri police are investigating.