A young house‑painter named Hameed suffered a brutal knife assault late Friday night, 16 May, beside the Akkarangaadi bus stop near Panemangalore, Bantwal taluk (Dakshina Kannada), police reported on Saturday.
According to initial inquiries, four assailants, allegedly steered by one Harris, converged on the roadside where Hameed was waiting and slashed him repeatedly—inflicting grievous wounds to his left arm. Nearby residents, alarmed by his cries, rushed the bleeding victim to a private hospital in Mangaluru, where surgeons are battling to save full limb function.
Detectives believe simmering personal hostility—rather than theft or communal provocation—sparked the strike. Nevertheless, the episode has rekindled anxiety in a locality only recently settling after the high‑profile murder of Hindutva activist and known offender Suhas Shetty earlier this year.
Senior officers dispatched extra patrols to Bantwal circle, BC Road, and Melkar junction to deter retaliation while forensics combed the scene for fingerprints and CCTV clues. A criminal case under sections relating to attempted murder and unlawful assembly has been filed at the Bantwal Town station; investigators have formed two special teams to track the fugitives, who fled toward Farangipete in a dark hatchback.
Superintendent of Police Rishikesh Sonawane urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and eschew rumour‑mongering on social media. “No effort will be spared to apprehend the culprits and restore peace,” he assured.
Citizens with credible leads can dial 112 or the district control room; informant identities will stay confidential.
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