Karnataka: Two cops injured in gang clash at Murdeshwar, two held
In a late-night incident on Saturday, two police constables were injured after being attacked with sharp weapons while trying to intervene in a clash between two rival groups in Murdeshwar, a coastal town in Uttara Kannada district. The police have since arrested two repeat offenders and registered a case against five others in connection with the attack.
According to officials, the incident took place around 9 pm when two rowdy-sheeters, identified as Raju and Manoj, were involved in a heated argument that quickly escalated into a physical fight. Their respective supporters soon joined, turning the confrontation into a group clash. Alarmed by the violence, local residents alerted the police.
A team of two constables from the Murdeshwar police station rushed to the spot and attempted to pacify the groups. However, in the commotion, some members of the gangs attacked the officers with sharp weapons, causing injuries to both. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the assault.
The injured constables were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors later confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening. Senior police officers visited the hospital and ensured that the constables were receiving proper treatment. They were reported to be stable and out of danger.
Following the incident, a case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code against Ritik, Madan, Yogesh, Darshan, and others for allegedly attacking police personnel and causing public disturbance. A dedicated team has been formed to trace and arrest the remaining accused who are still at large.
The police have also invoked provisions under the Karnataka Act against rowdy-sheeters, given that both Raju and Manoj have previous criminal records. Their arrests were made on Sunday morning based on preliminary investigation and witness statements.
Speaking about the incident, a senior police officer from Uttara Kannada district said, “We are taking this attack on our personnel very seriously. The accused will be booked under stringent sections, and we will ensure that all those involved are brought to book at the earliest.”
Murdeshwar, known for its Shiva temple and the towering statue of Lord Shiva, is a popular tourist destination. Local residents expressed concern over the recurring presence of anti-social elements in the area, and have urged the police to increase patrolling, especially during weekends when tourist footfall is high.
The incident has also prompted the district police to review security arrangements in and around the temple town. Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to prevent any further escalation of tension. The investigation is ongoing, and the police have appealed to the public to share any information about the absconding accused.
This attack highlights the challenges faced by police personnel in maintaining law and order in semi-urban and rural areas, where minor disputes can quickly spiral into violent confrontations. The Karnataka Police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of their personnel and the public.
