In a troubling incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, Mohammad Iqbal, a bus operator for route number 55, was violently robbed in Harekala, Mangalore. The crime took place late on the evening of August 5th, leaving the local community shaken and on high alert. The attack occurred near the Harekala DYFI office, a location that, until now, was considered relatively safe.
On the evening of the incident, Iqbal had parked his bus at the State Bank Pavur terminus and proceeded to a nearby shop to purchase some household items. After completing his errand, he walked towards his home, using a mobile torch light for illumination. It was during this seemingly routine walk that he was approached by two unidentified individuals.
The assailants acted swiftly and aggressively. They approached Iqbal from behind, seized him, and forcibly restrained his hands. To further incapacitate him, they stuffed cloth into his mouth, rendering him unable to call for help. In a brazen move, they then proceeded to steal his purse, which contained a substantial amount of cash—Rs 13,000, which represented his earnings for the day.
Upon discovering the horrific scene, local residents and Iqbal’s family members quickly rushed to his aid. They found him in a distressing state and immediately transported him to Natekal Kanachur Hospital for medical treatment. The nature of the assault left him shaken, and his injuries, though not life-threatening, required prompt medical attention.
The authorities at Konaje Police Station have launched a thorough investigation into the robbery. Despite their efforts, the thieves remain at large, and their identities have not yet been determined. The police are examining various leads and considering potential motives behind the attack.
Interestingly, investigators are also exploring a possible connection between this robbery and an earlier incident involving a heated argument on Iqbal’s bus. According to reports, two youths had been involved in a dispute on the same bus route just days before the robbery. Authorities are probing whether this earlier altercation might have led to the robbery as an act of retaliation or personal vendetta.
The local community has expressed outrage and concern over the incident. Residents of Harekala, known for their close-knit nature, have rallied around Iqbal, offering support and expressing their distress over the crime. There is a growing call for increased security measures in the area to prevent such incidents from recurring.
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that the perpetrators will be apprehended and brought to justice. The case underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in the region to protect residents from similar violent crimes.
The police are appealing to anyone with information regarding the incident or the identities of the attackers to come forward. The safety of the community depends on collective efforts to address and prevent such criminal activities.