An 18-year-old boy was injured when a Youth Congress leader opened fire during a clash between two groups at Mukkacheri-Kadapara in Ullal Police Station limits in Mangaluru on Sunday night.
Suhail Khundak of Attavara opened fire from his licensed pistol injuring Irshad during the clash. A total of 13 individuals have been arrested in connection to the incident. Police commissioner PS Harsha said prima facie evidence suggests that a Whatapp status put up by one Arshad who works in Suhail Khundak's office, triggered the clash but they are investigating if there are any other reasons behind it. The Whatsapp status was intended to give political mileage to Suhail which did not go down well with Salman, also a Congress party worker. Hence, Salman called Arshad and they fought over the matter.
Arshad then allegedly dared Suhail to visit his place. At around 11.30 pm, Suhail and six others came to Mukkacheri-Kadapara to find Salman and his friends in a playground. A verbal duel ensued between the two groups and in the heat of the argument, Suhail pulled out his pistol and open fired. A bullet pierced through the right leg of Irshad. Enraged by this, the people who had gathered at the spot thrashed Suhail and his accomplices and also smashed the SUV in which they had come.
Irshad and Suhail are undergoing treatment at different hospitals and they are out of danger. Ullal police have booked Suhail and his gang under various sections of IPC including attempt to murder and Salman and 10 of his gang members were booked for rioting. Six rounds were fired from the pistol while police have recovered 2 live bullets and a used bullet. The weapon used in the crime was also recovered.
