Auto Driver Escapes Sword Attack Near Manipal

Udupi: Tensions following the murder of Suhas Shetty in Bajpe have spilled over into nearby Udupi district, where an autorickshaw driver narrowly escaped a sword attack late Thursday night. The two arrested assailants confessed that they carried out the assault in the backdrop of Suhas Shetty’s murder.

The incident occurred at Athradi, about 5 km from Manipal.

Giving details about the incident, Udupi SP Dr Arun K said that around 11.15 pm on May 1, Abubakkar (50), a resident of Badagabettu, was on his way to pick up a passenger from Madaga in his autorickshaw. As he neared the Atradi Gas Petrol Bunk, two men on a motorcycle began trailing him, hurling abuses and demanding that he stop.

When he refused to stop, the pillion rider—armed with a sword—threatened to stab him. Sensing danger, Abubakkar stopped his rickshaw near Shedigudde and attempted to flee. One of the assailants swung the sword at his head, while the other shattered the windshield with a bottle. Abubakkar escaped by jumping over a compound wall.

The accused—Sandesh (31) and Sushanth (32), both residents of Hiriadka—have been arrested. During interrogation, they revealed that the attack was motivated by the tension following the Suhas Shetty murder in Dakshina Kannada.

A case has been registered at the Hiriadka Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation is underway.