A shocking incident was reported from Kanakapura town on Monday afternoon, where a pani-puri vendor was allegedly stabbed by a man after refusing to provide free chaat. The accused was overpowered by local residents and handed over to the police.
What happened
The accused has been identified as R Santhosh, a resident of Malagala in Kanakapura. The victim, Kumaraswamy (40), is a chaat vendor from Hanumanthanagar, who runs his stall near a rice mill close to a cement shop where the accused is employed.
According to reports, the incident occurred between 4.30 pm and 4.40 pm when Santhosh approached the stall, sat on a nearby stone bench, and suddenly pulled out a knife and attacked the vendor.
Locals intervene, accused caught
Hearing the commotion, local residents rushed to the spot, overpowered the attacker, and immediately informed the police. Santhosh was taken into custody by the Kanakapura Town Police.
Alleged harassment for months
Kumaraswamy’s wife, K Divya, alleged that the accused had been harassing her husband for nearly two months, frequently turning up in an intoxicated state and demanding free pani puri and chaat.
She said the attack followed the accused feeling “humiliated” after his repeated demands were refused.
“He stabbed my husband near the throat and on the stomach. He needed seven stitches. He had been troubling my husband for the last two months, but my husband ignored his threats,” Divya said.
Victim stable, case registered
Kumaraswamy was rushed to hospital with stab injuries to the throat and abdomen. Doctors administered seven sutures, and his condition is now stated to be stable and out of danger.
Police have registered a case of attempted murder against Santhosh and are investigating the circumstances leading to the attack.
Public concern over vendor safety
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of street vendors, with locals calling for stricter action against harassment and violence targeting small traders.
Police said further investigation is underway.