Bhatkal: Rahamat Ullah Hussain from Vekatapur near Bhatkal, a driver of an empty, small lorry and two associates, Ahmed and Sauood, were surely beaten up by a gang of 50 members of a Hindu outfit on Saturday night (Oct.1).

While the drive is admitted to an Intensive care Unit of a private hospital in Manipal, the other two absconded after receiving blows from the activists of Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV).

Two policemen, Ashok.V.Gaonkar and Babu Patagar, on duty tried to prevent the activists in their violent deeds, were also injured. Gaonkar in his complaint to the Bhatkal rural police said that the Vedike members alleged that the vehicle was used in carrying cows to the slaughter-house, but they found it empty.

The HJV miscreants waylaid the vehicle, dragged the driver out and beat him mercilessly accusing him of transporting cows to kill. Gaonkar in his complaint said the attackers wanted to burn the vehicle and destroy the check-post nearby and attacked the police trying to prevent such violence.
Five of the HJV active members- S.M.Naik, Hanumant Naik, Ananad Naik, Ganesh Naik and Dinesh Moger, were arrested by local police and produced before a court, while 2 others escaped. Bhatkal town was in tension following the barren incident.

A DSP and 2 PSIs came on the scene quickly and eased the situation. DCP Krishnaih of Uttar Kannada came to Bhatkal and held meetings between Hindu and Muslim groups, seeking peace.

However, in a threatening atmosphere, Govind Naik convenor of HJV North Karnataka justified the attack made to protect cows and asked police to release the 5 arrested activists and withdraw cases made out against HJV, if recurrences of 1993 riots are to be avoided.