Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore,  Sep 14: In the wee hours of Monday September 14, fish merchants fought among themselves with swords. Allegedly, a gang initiated the attack, which is perceived to be pre-planned, on seven people, leading to a bloodbath at the old port of the city.

It is learnt, that a group of fish merchants, members of which are predominantly from Kudroli area, launched the attack in relation to a dispute over the auction of fish baskets. Seven fishermen were injured in the incident.  The seven fishermen, named Anwar Hussain, Mohammed Ashraf, Abdul Latif, Abbumonu, Ashraf Pavoor, Riyaz Pavoor and Adil Faizal, all residents of Chembugudde Ullal, were reportedly attacked with swords by Abdul Kashim Khavunhi and his group, numbering to over 15.

It is said, during the auction held as usual before handing over the fish baskets at around 6 am today, a group of fish merchants armed with swords came to the venue and launched an indiscriminate attack. As a result, many have sustained injuries to heads, hands, ears etc, and the condition of four of them is stated to be critical. It is gathered, that the gang was objecting to the auction taking place before the other group arrived on the spot.

Pandeshwar policemen are investigating. A complaint lodged with the Pandeshwar police station has stated that the assailants led by Khavunhi, fled in a jeep and car after injuring the fellow fish merchants.