Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Aug 17: The clash between two groups in a late night party that ended in the murder of an auto driver reportedly sparked off after a person was mocked for singing during the party.
The incident occured on the night of Friday August 15 at Maya Bar, Ullal.
The victim identified as Yatish (32) was an auto driver and a resident of Someshwara Ombattukere. It is said that he and his friends reportedly checked into the bar to mark the celebration of Independence Day.
One of Yatish's friends, Kailash Babu, started singing as the bar had organized a karaoke musical night. However, he was teased by Pushparaj, resident of Bagambila and his friends who were sitting nearby.
At this, Yatish protested and challenged Pushparaj to sing.
The retaliation by Yatish sparked anguish among the friends of Pushparaj, following which heated words were exchanged between the two factions.
It is said that Pushparaj telephoned his friends Uday and Vinay, residents of Bagambila, asking them to come to the spot and join the fight.
The fight between the two receded and Yatish's friends left the place. But Pushparaj held Yatish back, yet again getting into an argument. Following the outburst of physical assaults, Uday knifed Yatish in the stomach and fled the crime scene.
The public who assembled during the incident rushed the injured to the local hospital where doctors advised to take him to a hospital in Mangalore, but he died on the way.
Yatish, son of Aitappa Poojary and Meenakshi, got married a few years ago and has a son.
He was the co-convener of Hindu Jagarana Vedike, Ullal. It is said that the prime accused in the case, Pushparaj was also the president of Hindu Yuva Sene, Bagambila. Though they were working for right wing outfits, they were not familiar with each other, it is reported.
It is learnt that police have taken three persons into custody for questioning. The search for the main accused is on.