Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal
Bhatkal, Apr 6: More than a month after a group of seven assaulted two persons at Karikal Road here, the same gang allegedly again assaulted another person late night on Saturday April 5.
Qamaruddin Malabari (39) was returning from Shirali to his house in Bhatkal when the gang of seven reportedly chased and attacked him on the national highway.
Qamaruddin, who was injured on his stomach and back, ran towards Tengungundi cross, and when people began to gather, the assaulters escaped from the spot.
On February 24 the same group had allegedly launched a lethal assault on Abubakar and Saleeth, besides trying to kill the duo by pouring kerosene on them. The incident, which occurred at Karikal Road in Bhatkal, reportedly was related to a long-standing enmity.
Speaking to mediapersons, a badly injured Qamaruddin said that while he was returning from Shirali, a car with seven persons followed him from Vengtapur bridge. Riyaz was driving while Samiullah, a tile fitter, was seated in the front. Sattar, Basha and Nasir were in the backseat.
"I saw two new faces and both were holding swords and knives. They attacked me before escaping. The car was grey in colour but I could not note the number. I ran from the spot and reached Tengungundi cross, and with the help of the people there I reach government hospital," he said.
After initial treatment in Bhatkal government hospital Qamaruddin was shifted to Kundapur.
Locals gathered in big numbers at the government hospital and expressed their anger over the incident.
"Police are lodging cases but no one has been arrested after the last attack. What are the organizations and social workers doing?" they said.
Qamaruddin later filed a case in Bhatkal town police station.
After the last attack on February 24, Saleeth filed a case against Shakeelmulla, Abdul Sattar, Basha, and Nasir. Police filed an attempt-to-murder against them but so far no one has been arrested. It is said that all four had earlier got bail from Dharwad high court in some case and on April 4 and they had to attend Bhatkal court for a hearing. They also got bail from Bhatkal court. Sources said that Shakeelmulla has been taking refuge in a house at Murdeshwar.
After the last incident, two bikes were burnt in front of Shakeelmulla's house. The house was also badly damaged. In that case police had arrested 9 people and two days back they were released from Karwar jail.