A distressing incident unfolded on the Malali–Narlapadavi Road in Mangaluru on Saturday, leaving an 11-year-old girl with burn injuries. The episode, which involved a motorcycle being blocked by an SUV, has sparked a police investigation into both the illegal transport of beef and allegations of vigilantism.
Sequence of Events on Malali–Narlapadavi Road
The incident occurred around 10 am on Saturday within the limits of the Bajpe police station. Abdul Sattar Mullarpatna was travelling on a motorcycle with his young daughter. According to City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, Sattar was allegedly carrying approximately 19 kg of beef without valid documentation from an authorized source.
Their journey was interrupted when an SUV, occupied by two men identified as Sumit Bhandari (21) and Rajat Naik (30), both residents of Yedapadavu, blocked the path of the motorcycle. This action caused the two-wheeler to fall. During the fall, the 11-year-old girl's leg came into contact with the motorcycle's hot silencer, resulting in burn injuries. Locals promptly rushed the injured child to a hospital for treatment.
Police Investigation and Contradictory Claims
Police reported that Sattar abandoned the motorcycle and fled the scene. Meanwhile, Sumit and Rajat were called to the Bajpe police station for questioning. During separate interrogations, their accounts raised suspicions.
Rajat Naik, who claimed to be a medical representative, stated they had visited a clinic to deliver medicines. However, police verification with the concerned doctor revealed that no medicines were delivered. The duo also claimed they were heading to a temple but could not specify which temple when questioned individually.
The injured girl's statement was recorded at the hospital. She alleged that her father was not only blocked but also beaten on the road. Police are investigating this assault claim further.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Probe
Based on preliminary findings, the police have decided to register a suo motu case against Abdul Sattar for transporting beef without valid bills from an authorized source. The seized beef, weighing about 19 kg and packed in 35 packets, suggested he may have been regularly supplying meat in the area.
Simultaneously, an FIR is being registered against Sumit Bhandari and Rajat Naik for moral policing. The investigation continues to confirm whether an assault took place and to trace the source of the beef.
Amid rumors about another youth's involvement, Commissioner Reddy clarified that there is no evidence currently linking Avinash Suvarna to the incident. He warned that if the investigation exonerates him, cases would be filed against those spreading false information.
