Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Sep 18: Six students were assaulted allegedly by members of Bajrang Dal at Pumpwell here on Thursday September 18.
Kalandar Shahid, Shameem, Mohammed Shahad, Ashique, Asfatulla and Shahbaz, all of them aged 18 and studying in MIFSC college, were allegedly assaulted. They have been admitted to hospital.
It is said that the students were standing near the bus stop at Pumpwell when a group of around 20-25 persons came in a Toofan Trax vehicle and assaulted them. They allegedly also stabbed Kalandar with a knife and then escaped from the spot. Kalandar's condition is said to be serious.
A student said that about a week ago, a function was organized in the college and students were taking photographs of each other and group photos. Some of them objected to photography, which soon led to clashes between two groups. The matter went to the principal, who succeeded in settling the matter through compromise. However, after the students emerged out of the college, one group allegedly threatened the other saying that Pumpwell area was 'theirs', to which the other group retorted with the threat of a police complaint, the student informed.
Things were relatively calm for the past one week, it is said, but on Wednesday September 17 evening, trouble brewed again and on Thursday, a group of around 20-25 persons came in the Toofan vehicle and allegedly assaulted the six students.
Among the assaulters, the victims have reportedly identified three as Bajrang Dal members Punith Raj Kottary, Pradeep Pumpwell and Pramod Suvarna.
A case has been registered in Kankanady rural station.