Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)
Udupi, Feb 2: The police on Thursday February 2 confirmed the arrest of HJV activist Ankit Poojary, as reported earlier, in connection to the pelting of stones at a mosque and stabbing of two auto rickshaw drivers, in which one was killed.
Addressing a press meet here, assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Vishnuvardhan said that Ankit (24), a resident of Kumpala near Mangaluru, was living with his sister and her husband in their rented house at Pandubettu. He was working as an assistant at his brother-in-law's shop dealing in interiors.
The ASP said that the accused harboured hatred towards Muslims and has been involved in several cases of communal unrest. On the night of January 28, he was going towards Ullal from Pandubettu by bike, and on the way, he stopped at the mosque at Adi Udupi and pelted stones at it, damaging the window panes. He then resumed his ride.
While riding along the NH 66, an auto rickshaw driven by Mohammed Hanif, apparently on the wrong side, approached Ankit. The latter confronted Hanif for driving on the wrong side, and in no time, an argument arose. The ASP said that when Ankit came to know that Hanif was a Muslim, he brandished his knife and stabbed him. Another auto driver, Shabbir, who came to Hanif's rescue was also stabbed and injured.
The ASP said that the CCTV images procured from the mosque were shown to Shabbir, who is recuperating, and based on this and some more information provided by him, the police succeeded in arresting the accused.
During interrogation, Ankit confessed to being involved in both the incidents, the ASP said.
He further said that Ankit faces charges in four cases in Mangaluru and in 2014, he was accused of pelting stones at a mosque in Ullal.
Asked about Ankit's affiliation to Hindu Jagarana Vedike, the ASP said that investigation was on to determine which outfit he belonged to.
He also said that for the purpose of investigation, the police could not reveal where Ankit was arrested from.
Ankit will be produced in the court in the afternoon.