Udupi: A violent attempt on the life of a student union leader was reported after the District NSUI vice president Sharath Kundar (25) was allegedly attacked by a group armed with swords and iron rods near PPC Cross on the night of January 30. The victim, a resident of Bailoor Chitpadi, sustained injuries to his hand while trying to evade a sword strike and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Police have registered a case and launched a search for the accused.
According to the complaint and preliminary investigation, the attack was linked to a minor altercation that occurred earlier the same evening and later escalated into a planned confrontation.
Verbal spat earlier in Manipal
Investigative sources said the chain of events began with a minor confrontation in Manipal. Sharath Kundar had reportedly gone there and met friends including Akshath Pai and Shashank. Ramananda Pai, identified as the son of local businessman Radhakrishna Pai of Radhakrishna General Store, was also present.
During the interaction, Sharath and Ramananda are said to have accidentally brushed against each other, which led to a verbal spat. Though the exchange was described as minor at the time, tensions reportedly continued afterward.
Police sources say such seemingly small disputes sometimes escalate quickly when parties continue communication after the initial argument.
Call to “settle” dispute led to meeting point
Later that night, Sharath allegedly received a phone call from Akshath Pai asking him to come to PPC Cross to discuss and resolve the earlier disagreement. Believing it to be a reconciliation meeting, Sharath went to the spot near a chicken outlet in the area.
He was accompanied by friends identified as Dhruva, Silan Gagan and Rohit. Investigators say there was no immediate indication given to Sharath that violence was being planned.
Police are verifying call records and message exchanges as part of the probe to establish premeditation and sequence of contact between the parties.
Group allegedly arrived armed
According to the complaint, soon after Sharath and his friends reached the location, Ramananda Pai, Akshath Pai and Shashank arrived along with around six to seven others in vehicles. The group was allegedly armed with swords and iron rods.
During the confrontation, Ramananda Pai allegedly swung a sword at Sharath. The victim reportedly moved aside in time to avoid a fatal blow but suffered injuries to his hand while trying to shield himself.
The sudden armed assault created panic at the spot, with Sharath’s friends shouting for help and attempting to intervene.
Attackers fled after threats
Police said the attackers fled from the scene after issuing death threats when bystanders and friends raised an alarm. No arrests had been officially confirmed at the time of the latest update, but teams are working to trace and apprehend the accused.
The injured student leader was immediately shifted to a private hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Doctors have described his injuries as non-life-threatening, though caused by a sharp weapon.
Investigators are also checking whether CCTV cameras in and around the junction and nearby shops captured the arrival of vehicles or movement of the accused.
Case registered, investigation in progress
Udupi City Police have registered a criminal case based on Sharath Kundar’s complaint. Sections related to attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, rioting, causing hurt with dangerous weapons and criminal intimidation are likely to be part of the case, officials indicated.
Police are recording statements from witnesses present at the scene and those connected to the earlier altercation. Background checks on the named accused and others suspected to be involved are underway.
Officers said they are treating the case seriously because of the use of lethal weapons and the apparent planning involved in calling the victim to a specific location.
Concern over youth and political clashes
The incident has raised concern among local observers about rising confrontations involving youth and student political workers. Senior officers say disputes — whether personal or political — should not escalate into violent retaliation.
Authorities have appealed for restraint and said strict action will be taken against those involved once evidence is consolidated.
Conclusion
The alleged sword attack on a student union leader near PPC Cross marks a serious escalation from what began as a minor argument. With a case now registered and multiple suspects named, police are moving to secure evidence and make arrests. Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.