Two held for sword attack on auto driver in retaliation for Bajpe murder in Udupi

UDUPI: The Hiriyadka police arrested two persons in connection with an attempt to murder case reported on Thursday night. The accused, Sandesh, 31, and Sushanth, 32, from Hiriyadka. Udupi SP Arun K said the accused have claimed that the attempt to murder was in retaliation for the Bajpe murder incident.
The SP that at around 11:15 PM, the complainant, Abubakkar, 50, a resident of Badagabettu, Udupi, received a phone call from his acquaintance, Dinesh, requesting a rental ride from Madaga to Athradi. Accordingly, the complainant set out in his autorickshaw towards Madaga.
While nearing the Athradi Gas Petrol Bunk on the main road, two unknown individuals on a motorcycle began following him.
The duo allegedly shouted abusive words and urged the complainant to stop his vehicle. They then attempted to block his autorickshaw.
As the complainant did not stop and continued driving, he noticed that the pillion rider was holding a sword-like weapon. One of them threatened him Fearing for his life, the complainant stopped his autorickshaw near a bus driver's house at Shedigudde and tried to escape.
At that moment, one of the bike-borne individuals swung the sword at his head, but the complainant managed to avoid the blow.
The other attacker struck the front glass of the autorickshaw with a bottle. Realising they were trying to kill him, the complainant jumped over a nearby compound wall and fled the scene.
A case was registered at Hiriyadka Police Station.