A high-speed police chase involving cattle thieves turned violent at the Hejamady tollgate, leaving three people injured, including two police officers. One suspect, Mohammed Sharoz (29) of Suratkal, was arrested, while his accomplices managed to escape.
The incident began when Gangolli police intercepted an SUV suspected of transporting four to five cattle illegally. Onboard were Sharoz and three others — Safaan, Azeem, and Rajik — who resisted arrest.
On orders from one of the accomplices, Sharoz rammed the SUV into Sub-Inspector Basavaraj Kanashetty, severely injuring his hand, and then struck Constable Sandeep during a wild attempt to reverse through a crowded tollgate.
The gang’s vehicle also crashed into a toll patrol car, injuring driver Lohith, and damaged a nearby police vehicle. In the chaos, one suspect took over the SUV, forcibly pushed another car aside, and escaped with the remaining cattle and accomplices, leaving Sharoz behind.
He was quickly detained and produced before a court, while the Padubidri police filed charges including attempt to murder public servants and destruction of public property.
A district-wide manhunt has been launched with roadblocks across Udupi to locate the absconding accused.
