Mangaluru: The 2nd Additional District and Sessions Court in Mangaluru has sentenced a man to four years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,500 for attempting to murder a youth following a dispute that stemmed from an online mobile game. The judgment was delivered on January 31, 2026, bringing closure to a case that shocked the local community for its unusual trigger — a rivalry arising from a Free Fire mobile game match.

The convicted person has been identified as Sanjay Poojary, who was found guilty of attacking Prathyush Saliyan, a resident of Jeppu Bappal, with a knife in May 2023 after allegedly developing resentment over losing in the online game.

Attack followed online gaming rivalry

According to the prosecution, the incident took place on May 17, 2023. Prathyush Saliyan had defeated Sanjay Poojary in a session of the popular online mobile game Free Fire. The loss reportedly angered the accused, who nurtured a grudge against the victim in the days that followed.

On the afternoon of the incident, at around 3.40 pm, Prathyush was walking from his residence towards Nandigudda when Sanjay Poojary allegedly intercepted him on the way. The prosecution told the court that the accused intentionally waylaid the victim and initiated a confrontation.

During the encounter, Sanjay Poojary is said to have illegally restrained Prathyush, verbally abused him using filthy language, and then attacked him with a knife. The assault was carried out with the intention to kill, according to the charge sheet. The accused also allegedly issued life threats during the attack.

Prathyush sustained injuries in the assault and later filed a complaint with the Pandeshwar police station.

Case registered and investigation carried out

Based on the complaint, Pandeshwar police registered a criminal case numbered 63/2023. Initially, the FIR included charges under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons), 307 (attempt to murder), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The investigation was first handled by PSI Sheetal Alaguru, who conducted the preliminary inquiry, recorded statements, and gathered medical and scene evidence. The probe was later continued and completed by PSI Manohar Prasad P, who filed a detailed charge sheet before the court.

After examining the nature of the injuries and other material evidence, additional and modified sections were included in the charge sheet. The final report invoked Sections 341, 325 (causing grievous hurt), 324, 326 (grievous hurt by dangerous weapons), 307, 504, and 506 of the IPC.

Police said the investigation relied on medical reports, witness testimonies, and circumstantial evidence linking the accused to the crime scene and weapon used.

Trial before sessions court

The case was committed to the sessions court and tried as Sessions Case (SC) No. 20/2024 before the 2nd Additional District and Sessions Court in Mangaluru. During the trial, the prosecution presented documentary evidence, medical records, and witness statements to establish motive, assault, and intent.

Public Prosecutor Jyothi Nayak represented the state and argued that the attack was deliberate and stemmed from a clear motive linked to the online gaming dispute. The prosecution emphasised that the accused had not acted in a sudden scuffle but had waylaid the victim and used a knife, demonstrating intent to cause fatal harm.

The defence contested the severity of the charges, but the court, after evaluating the evidence and testimonies, concluded that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Court awards prison term and fine

On January 31, 2026, the court pronounced its judgment, finding Sanjay Poojary guilty of the offences charged, including attempt to murder. The court sentenced him to four years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,500. In default of payment of the fine, additional imprisonment provisions may apply as per court rules.

Legal observers noted that while attempt to murder charges can attract longer sentences depending on circumstances, the court considered the nature of injuries, weapon used, and overall facts before deciding the quantum of punishment.

Warning over escalating digital disputes

The case has drawn attention to how online interactions and gaming rivalries can sometimes spill into real-world violence. Police officials say disputes originating in digital spaces are increasingly appearing in complaint records, especially among younger users of competitive online games.

Authorities have advised citizens, particularly youth, to treat online gaming as entertainment and avoid personalising outcomes or engaging in retaliatory behaviour. Conflicts arising from virtual platforms should be addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation, officials said.

With the conviction now recorded, the case stands as a cautionary example of how minor digital disputes can escalate into serious criminal offences with long-term consequences.