Bhatkal: Group of 7 assaults two, attempts to set them on fire

Silvester D'Souza / Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network – Bhatkal (SP)

Bhatkal, Feb 25: A group of people allegedly launched a lethal assault on two friends, besides trying to kill  the duo by pouring kerosene on them late night on Monday February 24. The incident, which occurred at Karikal Road in Bhatkal, reportedly was related to a long-standing enmity.

Those who came under attack have been identified as Abubakker and Saleeth, both from Bhatkal. Abubakker sustained critical injuries in the incident, and was moved to a private hospital in Kundapur for treatment.

Both Abubakker and Saleeth are involved with fishing. At around 9 pm on Monday, Saleeth invited Abubakker over phone to go fishing. Abubakker, who was having supper then, accepted the invitation. When both of them were moving towards the fishing port in Bhatkal, a gang of seven persons approached them in a Maruti Eeco vehicle. One among them was a friend of Abubakker, and they had a friendly exchange of words. The gang invited the two friends to come into their vehicle, promising to drop them at the port.

It is said that within some distance of the port, the car deviated from port road, and the gang started to hit the duo. Two persons seated in the back seat reportedly tightened a cable around Abubakker’s neck, and he was stabbed with a knife in the abdomen region. They were gagged and their hands were tied. The youth then poured kerosene on them and were about to torch them, when Saleekh succeeded in running away.

The miscreants then tossed Abubakker near the road. Abubakker, whose life was facing grave danger, continued to writhe in pain for long, before people came there and took him to Kundapur, duly escorted by the police.

Abubakker later said that the gang was formed by the members of an organization functioning in Bhatkal, who now and then keep creating trouble for some or the other reason. He said that this gang had encroached upon some land, and profited to the tune of crores of rupees in the bargain. He says that the gang had scores to settle against Saleeth, and that he was assaulted because of the fact that he was with Saleeth that time, and personally he did not have enmity against any of the gang members.

It is said that one of the men in the car was identified as Abdul Sattar. Saleeth Damudi later filed a complaint against a person by name Shakeelmulla. He also alledgedly identified Abdul Sattar, Nasir and Basha who are said to be part of Shakeelmulla's gang.

Saleeth also mentioned that as they were being taken away, he noticed a Santro car and saw Shakeelmulla's brother Nadeemulla seated in it.

It is said that a few days ago Nadeemullah who was riding on the highway at Bhatkal was attacked by an individual wearing a helmet on a bike. It is alleged soon after this incident Shakeelmullah along with 100 protestors submitted a memorandum to the Karwar DC. However, the suspects in the attack on Nadeemulla were released after a brief interrogation, it is said.

On Monday night, after the incident two bikes were burnt in front of Shakeelmulla's house. The house was also badly damaged especially the windows, door and television.

Circle police inspector Belliyappa and PSI Subanna visited the spot and a case has been registered in the Bhatkal town police station.

On February 25 morning, the Karwar SP Dilip Singh visited Bhatkal and assured that he would take strict action against the persons responsible.

District police arrived in Bhatkal. Ten people were taken into custody for questioning.