Modus operandi in Pahalgam, Shetty's killing is similar: MLA

Assailants came on a motorcycle, tried to attack Abubakkar with sword, glass bottle

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Udupi

MISCREANTS on Friday attempted to attack an auto driver, Abubakkar (50), near Athrady late on Thursday, but he narrowly escaped. It is suspected that the attempt was in retaliation to the murder of Suhas Shetty in Bajpe earlier on Thursday.

Udupi SP Dr Arun K said two men on a motorcycle followed the auto rickshaw driver from Badagabettu, Udupi, before trying to attack him with a sword and bottle.

Earlier, Dinesh who is known to Abubakkar, hired him for a drop. Abubakkar took his auto and moved around till 11.15 pm Thursday. As he approached a petrol bunk on the main road in Athrady, two unidentified men on a motorcycle began trailing his vehicle.

According to a complaint given by Abubakkar, the suspects overtook his auto and attempted to stop him, and abused him. Abubakkar didn't stop, and drove on, and noticed the pillion rider holding a sword. One of them reportedly shouted in Tulu, suggesting his intent to kill.

Fearing for his life, Abubakkar drove towards Shedigudde and stopped his auto near a house. When he tried to run away, one of the assailants allegedly swung the sword at his head. Abubakkar narrowly escaped this assault. Another assailant smashed the windscreen of his auto and damaged it. Abubakkar, realizing the attackers intended to kill him, jumped over a nearby compound wall and fled. Based on his complaint, a case was registered at Hiriyadka police station under Sections 126(2), 109, 324(3), 352, 351(2) read with 3(5) of BNS.