Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, Jun 1: A young woman was hospitalized on Sunday June 1 after she was allegedly assaulted by her neighbour following an argument between them. The incident took place at Kakkunje near Santhekatte here .

Anjali Dias (20), a resident of Kakkunje, was allegedly assaulted by her neighbour Suryakant.

It is said that on Sunday morning, Suryakant was clearing plants and weeds in his compound and then came to Anjali's house and began cutting her plants too. When Anjali objected, Suryakant reportedly refused to back out and soon an argument erupted between them.

In a fit of anger, Suryakant allegedly hit Anjali on her head with gardening tools, which left her badly injured.

On hearing the commotion, Anjali parents Joseph and Leena Dias also rushed out, and so also Suryakant's wife Malathi. Anjali and her parents alleged that Malathi too assaulted them.

Anjali also alleged that Suryakant tried to outrage her modesty during their arguments.

Anjali was rushed to Ajjarkad hospital by her niece.

Meanwhile, Malathi claimed that she lost her mangalsutra during the fight, and Suryakant filed a complaint in Manipal police station against Anjali's family alleging them of stealing. Following the complaint, the police took Leena to the police station for questioning.

Anjali claimed even after several hours had passed since the incident, the police did not come to the hospital to take her complaint.

Mahila Congress president Veronica Cornelio visited the hospital and condemned the incident. She demanded immediate action against Suryakant.

It is said that on several occasions, women in the vicinity had approached Manipal police alleging Suryakant of misbehaviour, but the police did not take any action. Suryakant is employed in a garage.

Sources said that he and Anjali's family had been involved in some dispute, and only last week they had settled the issue.