Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 13: An altercation late on January 12 near Ganesh Katte, Tannirbhavi, under the jurisdiction of Panambur police station, escalated into a violent clash between two groups. The incident, which took place around 11:45 PM, reportedly began with an argument over a cigarette lighter and ended with multiple individuals sustaining injuries.

A group comprising Venkatesh, Karthik, Santosh, Saif, Dhanush, and Prajwal was consuming alcohol and smoking when another group, including Preetham and Sanveet, approached them requesting a lighter. Allegedly, after receiving the lighter, Preetham and his group refused to return it, triggering a verbal spat.

During the confrontation, Karthik was reportedly struck on the head with a beer bottle. The situation worsened when 4-5 supporters of Preetham and Sanveet assaulted Prajwal, Karthik, Santosh, Saif, and Dhanush with wooden sticks, leading to a mutual altercation.

Two separate cases have been registered at Panambur police station. While the first case is based on a complaint by Preetham. The accused in this case include Venkatesh, Karthik, Santosh, Saif, Dhanush, and Prajwal, of whom Karthik, Santosh, Dhanush, and Prajwal have been apprehended, the second case is based on a complaint by Prajwal. The accused include Preetham, Sanveet, and others.

Meanwhile, a false WhatsApp message has been circulating, alleging that a group of Muslim youth armed with weapons attacked a Scheduled Caste individual in Kodi Bengre. It further claims that members of the Hindu community detained one of the accused and demanded immediate action, including the presence of the Mangaluru police commissioner.

Upon investigation, the police confirmed that these claims are baseless and misleading. Authorities clarified that this was not a communal incident, as both parties involved belong to the same community. Further investigations into the altercation are ongoing.