Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, May 11: During the late-night hours on Saturday, two gangs fought a pitched battle near Goddess Bhagawathi temple at Sasihithlu. In the scuffle, two who sustained serious injuries were admitted into the intensive care unit of a hospital for treatment.

Reportedly, Jitesh, Saurabh, Jaswin and Sujith, who were walking by the temple, were challenged by Prashanth and some others. It is said that there was pre-existing enmity between these gangs. The verbal altercations led to a physical fight, both the gangs attacked each other in which two suffered injuries inflicted with knives.

Jitesh and Prashanth suffered serious injuries in the incident. Both were admitted into a private hospital here. Emergency surgeries were performed on both on Sunday morning. White Jitesh suffered injuries in the abdomen and back, Prashanth was injured in the back and lung. Both underwent emergency surgeries on Sunday morning.

Saurabh and Jaswin, who were with Jitesh, too were injured. Both are being treated in a private hospital at Mukka. Based on a complaint made by Jitesh, Suratkal police have registered a case against Prashanth and others. Police personnel have been posted near Goddess Bhagawathi temple to manage the situation.

It is said that the two gangs had long-drawn animosity, and some well-wishers had tried to settle the hatred in a harmonious atmosphere a week back. However, these efforts did not yield any fruits.

In the meantime, Pushpa, mother of Prashanth, has, in a counter-complaint, alleged that her son was attacked by a 30-member gang.