Udupi: In a horrifying incident that unfolded on Sunday morning at approximately 8:30 am, a mother and her three children fell victim to a brutal assailant on the Nejaru-Kemmanu road, sending shockwaves throughout the coastal district.

The victims have been identified as Hasina (48), Afnan (23), Aynaz (21), and Aseem (13), residents of Nejaru Tripti Layout. Hasina's mother-in-law, Hajira (70), also attacked, is currently undergoing treatment at a Manipal hospital.

The assailant, concealed behind a mask, arrived in an auto-rickshaw, methodically stabbing each family member before fleeing the scene. The gruesome discovery revealed Hasina near the kitchen, Afnan in the bedroom, Aynaz near the bathroom, and Aseem in the hall, all in a pool of blood. Hasina's niece, residing nearby, rushed to the scene upon hearing screams, prompting the assailant's escape.

Well-Educated Family in Shock: Noor Mohammed, hailing from Haikadi, and Hasina, originally from Kodi Bengre near Hoode, built their lives in Nejaru-Tripti Layout over the past 15 years. Noor Mohammed, employed in Saudi Arabia for 35 years, has two sons and two daughters. Afnan worked as a logistician in Mangalore, Aynaz served as a flight attendant in Air India, and Aseem was an eighth-grade student. The family had spent several years in Saudi Arabia with Noor Mohammed.

Killer's Escape and Investigation: Police investigations unveiled that the assailant used an auto-rickshaw to reach Tripti Layout, committing the murders within 15 minutes. Post-crime, the assailant stopped a passing motorcycle on Kemmannu-Nejaru road, reached Santhekatte, and eventually made his way to Udupi Karavali Bypass. CCTV footage captured the killer, masked and carrying a bag.

The motive behind the murders remains unknown, with speculation suggesting financial issues. A case has been registered at Malpe police station.

Family Details and Nightly Arrival: Afnan and Aynaz, residing together in Mangalore, had returned home for vacation on Saturday night. Aynaz, recently employed as a flight attendant, had joined the airline only a few months prior.

Official Response and Investigation Teams: Udupi District Superintendent of Police, Dr. K. Arun, inspected the crime scene, leading a team of experts from the dog squad, fingerprint analysis, and the forensic science laboratory in Mangalore and Manipal KMC. Political and community leaders, including MLA Yashpal Suvarna and former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, visited the bereaved family.

The police, arriving at the scene around 9:30 am, maintained a prolonged cordon until 6:15 pm. Subsequently, the bodies were transferred to Manipal KMC Hospital for post-mortem, and Noor Mohammed is expected to arrive in Udupi tomorrow morning.

Ongoing Investigation: In response to the heinous crime, five police teams have been formed to investigate the murders comprehensively. Udupi District SP Dr. K. Arun assured that the investigation spans all dimensions, and the perpetrator will be apprehended soon. The initial findings indicate the murders were not driven by theft, as no valuables were reported missing during the preliminary investigation. The assailant utilized a sharp weapon in the gruesome act.

Killer Identified as Kannada Speaker:
Between 8:30 am and 9 am, an auto-rickshaw driver, Shyam Nejaru, revealed crucial information about the assailant. The killer, wearing a mask, approached the rickshaw stand, instructing Shyam to take him to Tripti Layout. After dropping him off at his destination, Shyam reported that the man returned to the stand about 20 minutes later, boarded another auto rickshaw, and headed towards Udupi. The assailant, speaking Kannada in a Mangalore style, displayed urgency, instructing the driver to speed up. Shyam identified him by the distinctive shirt he was wearing.

Hajira Escapes Brutal Attack:
In the midst of the horrifying incident, Hajira (70), the mother-in-law of the deceased Hasina, successfully evaded the assailant's brutal attack. Faced with a sharp weapon, Hajira secured herself in the bathroom, thereby avoiding potentially fatal injuries. Upon the police's arrival at the crime scene, they encountered a locked bathroom door. Despite their requests, Hajira, overcome by fear, hesitated to open the door. Eventually, the police had to forcefully break open the door to rescue Hajira. She was swiftly transported to Manipal Hospital, sustaining severe injuries to her left side but ultimately emerging from imminent danger.

Young Aseem's Tragic End:
As a school holiday allowed Aseem to play freely, he was riding his bicycle in front of the house when the tragedy unfolded. Upon hearing commotion inside, he left his bicycle and ran indoors. Unfortunately, the killer, exiting the house after murdering three family members, intercepted Aseem as he entered the hall. Aseem was fatally stabbed in the chest and neck by the assailant.