Attempt on auto driver to avenge murder of Hindu activist in Mangaluru

Udupi police seized the motorcycle used by the two men who attempted to murder an autorickshaw driver near Manipal, on May 2, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Two persons allegedly made an attempt on the life of an autorickshaw driver at Athrady near Manipal, in Udupi district of Karnataka, on May 1 as retribution for the murder of 30-year-old Suhas Shetty at Bajpe near Mangaluru.

Hiriyadka police arrested Sandesh, 31, and Sushant, 32, both residents of Hiriyadka in Udupi district, in connection with the attempt. The motorcycle used by the duo during the alleged incident was seized by the Udupi police.

Police said autorickshaw driver Aboobacker received a call around 11.30 p.m. on May 1 from his friend Dinesh seeking his service. As he was driving from Madaga to the house of Dinesh at Atrady, the two accused followed the autorickshaw on a motorcycle. Near Atrady petrol bunk, the two accused persons told Aboobacker to stop his autorickshaw.

When Aboobacker tried to speed away, the accused blocked his way. The pillion rider waved a machete-like object at Aboobacker. Seeing the rider holding an empty glass bottle, Aboobacker drove his vehicle into Shedigudde where he parked his vehicle by the roadside. He scaled up the compound wall of a house and escaped from the area.

The accused damaged the windshield of the autorickshaw before leaving the place.

Following a complaint by Aboobacker, Hiriyadka police arrested Sandhesh and Sushant.

The arrested persons claimed that the attack on the auto driver was revenge for the murder of Suhas Shetty (in pic) at Bajpe near Mangaluru.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

In a video statement, Superintendent of Police K. Arun said the arrested persons told the police that the attempt on the life of the autorickshaw driver was to seek revenge for the murder of Suhas Shetty.