Mangaluru: Clash in Panambur – 2 separate cases registered, False rumors spread on social media

Team Udayavani, Jan 13, 2025, 10:39 AM IST

Representative image (credit: iStock)

Mangaluru: A brawl involving two groups of youths escalated in Ganesh Katte, Tannirbavi, under Panambur Police Station limits, around 11:45 PM on January 12, 2025. The incident has led to the registration of two separate cases at the Panambur Police Station, police said on Monday.

According to police, youths identified as Venkatesh, Karthik, Santosh, Saif, Dhanush, and Prajwal were consuming alcohol and smoking when another group, including Preetham and Sanveet, approached them asking for a cigarette lighter. Prajwal reportedly handed over the lighter to Preetham, but when it was not returned, an argument ensued.

The situation escalated when one of Preetham’s group allegedly hit Karthik on the head with a beer bottle. In retaliation, 4-5 members from both sides armed with wooden sticks assaulted each other. The incident soon turned into a full-fledged altercation.

Cases Filed and Arrests Made

Based on Preetham’s complaint, a case (No. 03/2025) was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Panambur Police Station. Venkatesh, Karthik, Santosh, Saif, Dhanush, and Prajwal were named as accused in this case. Among them, Karthik, Santosh, Dhanush, and Prajwal have been arrested.

Similarly, based on a complaint by Prajwal, another case (No. 04/2025) was registered under BNS sections, naming Preetham, Sanveet, and others as accused.

Following the incident, DCP Siddharth Goyal (Law & Order), along with ACP (CCB) and ACP (North Sub-Division), visited the site to assess the situation.

False Rumors on Social Media

Adding to the tension, false information was circulated on WhatsApp claiming that a group of Muslim youths armed with weapons had attacked a member of the Hindu community. The message also falsely alleged that the incident targeted Hindu households in the area.

Police Commissioner Kuldeep Kumar R. Jain refuted these rumors, categorically stating that the incident was a personal altercation and urging the public not to spread unverified information.

Investigations are ongoing, and police have assured stringent action against those involved in both the clash and the dissemination of fake news.