Bhatkal: Waves of anger spread among the local Muslims in the city today after two Bhatkal youths were beaten black and blue by a group of alleged right-wing activists in Honnavar for allegedly trafficking cattle on the late night of Wednesday 7th March. However, the police after receiving the information, took four people into the custody, while the case against more than hundred assaulters has been booked in Honnavar police station.
According to a relative of victims, Mohammed Ismail, two youths Nurulameen Mukhtasar (40) and Ghufran Pothe (35) were returning to Bhatkal late night on Wednesday at around 11:30 pm after purchasing two buffalos and a bull from Ankola. A group of more than hundred right-wing activists forcefully stopped their bolero pickup vehicle near Karki NH-66 and assaulted them causing severe injuries to the body. Both were seriously injured.
According to Ismail, instead of admitting the victims Nurulameen and Ghufran to Bhatkal or Mangaluru hospital, they were taken to Karwar hospital with the intention to keep things under wraps and away from limelight. The victim Nurulameen was beaten in such a way that his one hand was fractured and also sustained grievous head and body injuries. Another victim Ghufran too was beaten badly and he received multiple injuries on his back and stomach.
As the Bhatkal meat sellers received the information of the entire incident, many rushed to Karwar immediately and demanded the arrest of the goons involved in the incident. It is said that the assaulters have also filed a case against Nurulameen and Ghufran in Honnavar police station on the charges of illegally transporting cattle.
Looking at the grievous injuries of both the victims, family members shifted them to Manipal KMC hospital for better treatment.
As the information regarding shifting of the victims to Manipal hospital spread in Bhatkal, people in Bhatkal in the huge number gathered near KSRTC bus stand waiting for Ambulance. They wanted to stop the ambulance in Bhatkal to protest the incident. But the local police rushed to the spot and controlled the situation. Police did not allow to stop the ambulance in Bhatkal.
Speaking to SahilOnline over the phone, Uttara-Kannada SP Vinayak Patil said that Honnavar police have already filed case under section 307 against the attackers and have also arrested four people in this regard. The SP further said that the search for the absconding accused is being carried and strict action will be taken against the accused.