Mangaluru : Police Commissioner Dr P S Harsha said, “As many as 13 persons are arrested in connection with the shootout incident that occurred on the night of Sunday, September 22 at Kadappura Kiliriya Nagar near Ullal.”

Giving details of the incident to the media, here on Monday, September 23, Dr P S Harsha said, “Two groups involving political youth leader Suhail Khandak fought with one another. During the incident, Suhail Khandak fired six rounds in which one bullet pierced the leg of Irshad (18). The locals, who witnessed the incident, damaged the Innova car, in which the miscreants had come to the spot. Before firing Irshad, Suhail had fired bullets in air and to the ground.

“The local people started throwing stones at the car in which the miscreants had come. The car was badly damaged and Suhail Kandak and Basheer sustained injuries when the people attacked them. Suhail Kandak and Basheer are admitted to a hospital in Thokkottu, while Irshad is admitted to a hospital in Deralakatte.

“The fight was between the two groups. One group belonged to Suhail Kandak of Attavar and the second group comprised of Salman, Irshad and others belonging to Mukkacheri Kadapara in Ullal. A licensed firearm belonging to Suhail Khandak was used during the clash and the police have recovered the weapon.

“Both the parties were known to each other as they were recognized in youth wing political parties. During the primary investigation, it has come to light that Arshad and Suhail Khandak were working together in the same office as they were recognized in a political party. When Arshad uploaded WhatsApp status promoting Suhail Khandak, a person named Salman, who also belonged to same political party, questioned the same. This was the basic trigger for the incident.”

Six people are arrested in connection with the firing, while seven persons are arrested for assault, out of which three are being treated in the hospital.

DCP Law and Order Laxmi Ganesh and DCP Crime and traffic Arunagshu were present.