Udupi: A high-octane chase ended in chaos at the Hejamady tollgate on Tuesday as suspected cattle thieves, trying to flee from the Gangolli police, rammed their SUV into law enforcement personnel, injuring three individuals. Despite the violent attempt to escape, one suspect was arrested.
Those injured include Basavaraj Kanashetty, PSI (Investigation) at Gangolli police station, constable Sandeep, and Lohith, the driver of the toll patrol vehicle. The arrested accused has been identified as Mohammed Sharoz (29) from Suratkal, who has since been presented before court.
Earlier, a Gangolli police team, acting on a tip-off, intercepted an SUV loaded with illegally transported cattle. As police moved to arrest the four suspects — Sharoz, Safaan and Azeem (both from Kaup), and Rajik from Bajpe — one of them instructed Sharoz to drive into the officers.
In the shocking attack, PSI Basavaraj was knocked down and the SUV ran over his hand. Blocked by KSRTC buses and other vehicles, the suspects reversed the vehicle, injuring constable Sandeep, then crashed into the toll patrol jeep, injuring driver Lohith, and rammed PSI Pavan Nayak’s parked car.
Amid the confusion, Sharoz was caught by police. Another suspect seized control of the SUV and, after hitting an oncoming car, escaped with the remaining accomplices through a narrow exit.
Police later found 4–5 cattle crammed in the SUV. A district-wide manhunt is now underway. The Padubidri police have registered a case under multiple sections, including attempt to murder and destruction of public property.