Mangaluru: In Mangaluru, a 42-year-old man was arrested by the Kankanady Town Police in the early hours of September 2 after he allegedly assaulted two policemen on night patrol duty, obstructed them from discharging their official responsibilities, and damaged government property. The accused, identified as Sulaiman, a resident of Sakleshpur taluk in Hassan district, was taken into custody following the incident.

Incident during night patrol

According to police reports, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ashok K and police constable Surendra Kumar were conducting routine night rounds in the Naguri area around 12:45 am on September 2. While patrolling, they noticed a group of men standing near a complex in the locality. The officers approached the group and began questioning them as part of standard night surveillance.

It was during this questioning that the accused, Sulaiman, allegedly became aggressive. He is reported to have threatened the officers, obstructed them in the line of duty, and attempted to physically assault them. The police said that the situation quickly escalated, leading to a violent confrontation.

Assault on policemen and damage to property

The police stated that Sulaiman allegedly snatched a fingerprint scanner device from ASI Ashok K and smashed it, causing damage to government property. The device, used for verification during police duties, was considered essential equipment, and its destruction has been treated as a serious offence.

When constable Surendra Kumar tried to intervene and control the situation, the accused allegedly kicked him in the stomach and waist, before striking him on the back and neck. The constable sustained minor injuries in the incident but managed to assist in restraining the accused with the help of his colleague.

Additional police assistance sought

Despite the sudden aggression, the two officers managed to hold Sulaiman until additional police staff arrived at the spot. Reinforcements helped subdue and arrest the accused, after which he was taken into custody by the Kankanady Town Police. The entire incident highlighted the risks faced by police personnel during late-night patrols, where unexpected confrontations can turn hostile.

Case registered against accused

The police confirmed that a case has been registered against Sulaiman under multiple sections for assaulting public servants, obstructing them from discharging their duties, issuing criminal threats, and damaging government property. Officials have clarified that strict legal action will be pursued in the matter, given the seriousness of the charges.

According to sources, damaging equipment such as fingerprint scanners not only hampers police operations but also leads to financial loss to the government. Such acts of aggression against law enforcement officers are treated with zero tolerance under the law.

Public safety and police duties

Authorities emphasised that night patrols are conducted regularly to ensure public safety and prevent anti-social activities during odd hours. Police officers frequently engage with groups of people found loitering late at night to verify their identities and intentions, as a precautionary measure to deter crime.

The Mangaluru police urged citizens to cooperate during such checks instead of resisting or obstructing officers in the discharge of their duties. Instances of assaulting police personnel, they warned, would invite strict action under the Indian Penal Code.

Conclusion

The arrest of Sulaiman serves as a reminder of the dangers that policemen face while performing routine duties, particularly during late-night patrols. With the registration of the case, the police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the law takes its course without leniency. The incident underscores the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement agencies to maintain order and safety in the city.