Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 19: An activist of HIndu Jagarana Vedike was murdered in the early hours of Sunday February 19 at Niddel, Maroli here, allegedly by activists of the same outfit.

Pratap (25) and Manikanta, both HJV activists, were allegedly followed and attacked with machetes by around 10 activists of HJV in the premises of a house at Niddel at around 1 am on Sunday.

While Pratap died of injuries on the spot, Manikanta escaped with injuries on his hand, and has been admitted to hospital.

Pratap (deceased)

Manikanta

It is said that Manikanta was the target of the assailants.

Sources said that about two or three years ago, HJV activists had allegedly stolen money from some Yakshagana artistes who had come to perform at Kateel temple. Manikanta had reportedly informed the police about this. The HJV activists who were angered at Manikanta's action sought revenge, it is said. Sources also claimed that the attack was also related to the recent banner dispute at Pumpwell.

Police sources said that six persons have already been arrested in connection to the case. Four of them have been identified as Vinesh, Mithun, Neeshu and Kaushi. It is learnt that the police have recovered machetes from the house of one of the activist.

Manikanta does masonry work while Pratap had secured a job in Mysuru and had recently come down to his hometown for a visit.

It is said that on Saturday February 18, Manikanta was doing some masonry work at a house belonging to Shaila in Maroli when the activists came and confronted him. Shaila chased them away, after which all of them went to a birthday party of Achchu, another HJV activist. During the party, Achchu and others came out and followed Manikanta who was with Pratap to Shaila's house at Maroli, and allegedly attacked them.

Kankanady police have registered a case and investigations are on.