Mangaluru: Two separate cases have been registered at Venur Police Station following incidents involving an alleged motorcycle theft attempt and a subsequent assault reported from Marodi village in Belthangady taluk. The incidents, which occurred in the early hours of January 20, have prompted police to initiate detailed investigations under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

According to the police, the first case pertains to an attempted bike theft that escalated into an assault when the owner intervened. The second case stems from a counter-complaint alleging that the accused in the theft attempt were themselves assaulted by a group of people and subjected to unlawful detention and threats.

Alleged theft attempt in early morning hours

As per the complaint filed by Deviprasad, a 22-year-old resident of Marodi village, the incident occurred between 2.10 am and 2.30 am near Palaragoli. He alleged that two individuals, identified as Moyideen Naseer and Abdul Samad, attempted to steal his motorcycle, which was parked near his residence.

When Deviprasad noticed the accused tampering with the vehicle, he tried to stop them. At this point, the complaint states that the two men allegedly assaulted him and attempted to flee from the spot with the motorcycle. The intervention by the victim reportedly prevented the theft from being completed.

Based on his statement, Venur Police registered a case under Sections 303(2) and 307 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which deal with theft-related offences and attempt to commit serious harm. Police officials said the sections were invoked considering the nature of the allegations and the circumstances under which the assault allegedly took place.

Counter-complaint alleges assault by mob

In a related development, a separate complaint was filed by Abdul Samad, aged 29, a resident of Bengre. In his complaint, Samad alleged that while he and his friend were attempting to take away a motorcycle that was parked by the roadside, they were confronted by an unlawful assembly.

According to his statement, around 25 to 30 people surrounded them, verbally abused them using obscene language and assaulted them with hands and wooden sticks. He further alleged that the group tied him and his friend to a tree and issued death threats before letting them go.

Samad’s complaint presents a sharply different version of events, claiming that he and his associate were subjected to severe physical and mental harassment by a group of villagers. Police sources said the allegations were serious in nature and warranted the registration of a separate case.

Multiple sections invoked under BNS

Following the counter-complaint, Venur Police registered another case under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 352, 115(2), 118(1), 351(2) read with Section 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. These sections pertain to unlawful assembly, rioting, assault, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint and related offences.

Police officials stated that both cases have been registered independently based on the respective complaints, and neither version of events has been ruled out at this stage. “We are examining the sequence of events, the role of each individual involved and the circumstances under which the incidents took place,” an officer said.

Investigation focuses on sequence of events

Investigators are currently trying to establish the exact timeline of events and whether the two incidents are directly linked or escalated due to misunderstanding and confrontation. Statements from witnesses in the area are being recorded, and police are also checking for any CCTV footage from nearby locations that could provide clarity.

Medical reports of the injured parties are expected to play a key role in determining the extent of the alleged assault in both cases. Police said the nature of injuries, if any, would be examined to corroborate the claims made by the complainants.

Officials added that the large number of people allegedly involved in the second incident makes the investigation more complex, as identifying individual roles within an unlawful assembly requires careful verification.

Police appeal for restraint

Senior police officers have appealed to the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, particularly in situations involving suspected theft. “If there is a suspicion of theft or wrongdoing, people should immediately inform the police instead of resorting to violence,” an officer said.

They also cautioned that forming mobs and subjecting individuals to physical punishment can lead to serious legal consequences, regardless of the initial provocation.

Conclusion

The registration of two separate cases arising from the same sequence of events highlights the complexities often involved in criminal investigations where allegations and counter-allegations surface. With serious charges invoked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, police are proceeding cautiously to ensure a fair and thorough probe.

Further action will depend on the outcome of the investigation, evidence collected and witness testimonies. Police have confirmed that both cases are under active investigation and assured that appropriate legal steps will be taken based on established facts.