Pics: Arun Uppinangady
Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (MM/RD)

Puttur, Aug 28: A group of miscreants reportedly robbed four pilgrims after damaging their car at Gundya on National Highway 48 Thursday August 28.

The victims have been identified as Rajesh, Ratan, Amit and Kiran, all residents of Rajajinagar in Bangalore. The incident occurred at 1.00 am on Thursday when they were returning from Dharmasthala, after offering prayers at Sri Kshetra Manjunatheshwar pilgrimage centre. The injured Rajesh and Kiran were admitted to Mahaveer hospital here.

Since a few ore-laden trucks were parked along the highway at Gundya, vehicles were moving at a snail's pace. The miscreants who were travelling in a jeep asked the pilgrims to make way for their jeep. This resulted in a hot debate. Immediately the miscreants closed down the gates of Gundya forest check-post and spread the news the pilgrims had assaulted them.

Hearing this, many more joined with the miscreants and started assaulting the piligrims. They even fled with valuables such as gold ornaments mobile phones etc.  Meanwhile one of the victims managed to escape from the group, got into a lorry and reached Sakleshpur where he lodged a complaint with the police.

Uppinangady police have already taken into custody a certain Paulose, in connection to the robbery.

Sources added that a group of 15 members were found to be active in robbing in and around Gundya. The same group had also robbed the passengers of a vehicle at Periyashanti, a few years ago.