Udupi District Rocked by Gold Chain Robbery and Fatal Road Accident
In a shocking incident near Malpe Port in Udupi, a 61-year-old fish trader fell victim to a brutal robbery early Friday morning. The assailants made off with a gold chain valued at approximately Rs 6 lakh, leaving the community in distress.
Details of the Malpe Port Robbery
According to police reports, the complainant, Dayanand Kundar, a resident of Badanidiyoor village who works in the fish trade at Malpe Port, was on his way to the port around 4:40 am. An individual approached him, inquiring about fish, but this was merely a ruse. With premeditated intent, the accused suddenly threw chilli powder into Kundar's face, causing immediate disorientation and pain.
The situation escalated rapidly as the attacker dragged Kundar a short distance. Soon after, two more individuals joined the assault, brandishing a knife and demanding the gold chain from his neck. When Kundar resisted, the trio, identified in part as Muthanna along with two unidentified accomplices, physically assaulted him, striking his face and back repeatedly.
Overpowering the victim, they forcibly removed a 6-sovereign gold chain from his neck. Before fleeing, the robbers issued a chilling threat, warning Kundar not to report the incident to the police or face fatal consequences.
Police Response and Legal Action
Despite the threats, Kundar bravely approached the authorities. A case has been officially registered at the Malpe police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include Section 309(6) for robbery, Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation, and Section 3(5) for common intention in committing the crime. Investigations are currently underway to apprehend all suspects involved in this heinous act.
Separate Tragedy in Brahmavar: Fatal Scooter Accident
In an unrelated but equally tragic event on the same day, a scooter rider lost his life in a devastating accident at Arooru Cross in Brahmavar. The victim, identified as Shekhar T Kulal, was involved in a collision with a goods vehicle.
Preliminary reports indicate that the goods driver was operating the vehicle at high speed and in a reckless manner while traveling from Pethri towards Brahmavar. The vehicle collided with Kulal's scooter from behind, causing him to fall to the right side of the goods vehicle. He sustained severe injuries to his head and hand as a result of the impact.
Kulal was rushed to a hospital in Brahmavar for emergency medical attention. However, upon examination, doctors declared that he had succumbed to his injuries. The Brahmavar police have registered a case in connection with the accident, and further inquiries are being conducted to determine the exact circumstances and hold accountable those responsible.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
These back-to-back incidents have raised significant concerns about public safety in the Udupi district. The robbery highlights vulnerabilities in early morning hours near port areas, while the accident underscores ongoing issues with road safety and reckless driving on local highways. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.
As investigations progress, the community awaits justice for both victims, hoping for swift action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
