Mangaluru: A late-night stabbing near the Kana petrol pump in the Surathkal Police Station limits left one youth seriously injured and another with minor injuries after a four-member gang allegedly attacked them with knives on Thursday night.
Victims identified
The injured have been identified as Nizam (23), a resident of Chokkabettu, and Hasan Murshid (18) of Krishnapura Hill Side. Both were part of a group of five friends travelling towards Krishnapura on two motorcycles when the attack took place.
Altercation leads to stabbing
According to police, when the motorcycle carrying Nizam and Murshid ran out of fuel, they stopped by the roadside while their friends went to fetch petrol from a nearby pump. During this time, four unidentified men approached them from near a bar and reportedly asked, “Do you know Haneef?”
An argument broke out, escalating into a scuffle during which one of the attackers stabbed both youths before fleeing the scene.
One critically injured
Nizam sustained a deep stab wound to the abdomen and was initially taken to a private hospital in Mukka. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later shifted to another private hospital in Mangaluru for advanced medical care.
Murshid, who received minor stab wounds, continues to receive treatment at the Mukka hospital.
Police probe underway
Surathkal Police Inspector Pramod Kumar and his team visited the crime scene, conducted an inspection, and recorded statements from the victims at the hospital.
Police have identified the suspects as known rowdies — Gururaj, Alex Santosh, Nithin, and Sushanth. A case has been registered at the Surathkal Police Station for attempt to murder and criminal assault.
Link to local gang rivalry suspected
Initial investigations suggest the attack could be linked to previous disputes involving local gangs. Police sources said the accused have a history of involvement in violent incidents in the Surathkal and Mukka regions.
Residents have expressed concern over the increasing number of such incidents in recent months. Locals say that areas near bars and isolated stretches have become unsafe, especially during late hours.
Police tighten vigilance
Following the incident, the Surathkal Police have intensified night patrols and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments to trace the movements of the accused.
Inspector Pramod Kumar stated that the suspects will be arrested soon. “We have identified all four accused and formed teams to apprehend them,” he said.
Community calls for stronger action
The stabbing has triggered public outrage, with residents urging authorities to enhance police presence and ensure stricter measures against repeat offenders. Civic groups have also demanded improved street lighting and more surveillance cameras in crime-prone zones.
Conclusion
While Nizam remains under observation, his condition is reported to be stable. Murshid is recovering steadily. Police said further investigation is underway to determine the motive and whether more individuals were involved.