Family Picnic Near Bhatkal Ends in Brutal Assault; Woman Suffers Severe Head Injury
A minor argument over littering escalated into a violent chase and attack, leaving two tourists hospitalized.
Bhatkal: A pleasant family picnic took a horrifying turn on Monday evening when a group of tourists from Bhatkal were allegedly attacked by local residents near Kuntavani. A man and a woman sustained serious injuries in the assault and are currently receiving treatment in a private hospital.
The incident occurred as a group of about 25 friends and their families were returning from a day trip to Hadavalli. According to Fuzail Armar, one of the victims, the group stopped for tea at Kuntavani, approximately 14 km from Bhatkal, around 5:30 p.m.
Trouble began after most of the group had left. As Mr. Armar was preparing to leave in his car, a local youth accused him of throwing soft drink bottles near a banner. Mr. Armar stated that although his group was not responsible, he picked up the bottles to avoid a conflict. Despite this, the youth began verbally abusing him.
The situation quickly escalated when another individual attacked Mr. Armar from behind. A larger crowd then gathered, shouting abuses at the women and children in the car.
Seeing the commotion, Mr. Armar’s friend, Zia, and his wife, Aysha Lamia, who were on a nearby motorcycle, came over to inquire. At this point, a mob of about 15 people reportedly attacked them. In the chaos, Ms. Lamia’s hand was twisted, and she was pushed to the ground, causing a serious injury to her head.
The couple managed to escape, but their ordeal was not over. Zia reported that they were chased by four to five men on bikes and in an auto-rickshaw. The attackers caught up with them near the Sagar Road bus depot and struck their motorcycle, causing them to fall. The assailants then beat Zia before fleeing the scene.
Mr. Armar rushed to their aid and transported the injured couple first to the government hospital for initial treatment, and later to Life Care Hospital for further care.
Doctors have confirmed that Aysha Lamia suffered a scalp hematoma (a collection of blood under the scalp) and a fractured hand. Zia was treated for injuries to his hands and legs.
Following the incident, Bhatkal DySP Mahesh and Circle Police Inspector Manjunath Linga Reddy visited the victims at the hospital to record their statements. Several community leaders and social workers also arrived to offer their support.
The Bhatkal Rural Police Station has registered a case, and an investigation into the violent assault is now underway.
