Udupi: An auto-rickshaw driver was reportedly attacked with a sword in a murder attempt near Shedigudde late at night on May 1. The incident occurred around 11:15 PM, and police have arrested two accused in connection with the case.

The arrested have been identified as Sandesh (31), a resident of Bommarabettu in Hiriyadka, and Sushanth (32), a resident of Bapuji Darga.

The victim, identified as Aboobacker (50) from Atradi, was driving his auto-rickshaw towards Madaga on hire. While he was passing near the Atradi Gas Petrol Bunk, two men on a bike began following him. They allegedly threatened Aboobacker and tried to force him to stop the rickshaw. Refusing to stop, he continued driving.

One of the bike riders was seen holding a sword. Realizing the danger, Aboobacker attempted to flee after stopping his auto near the residence of a Rose Bus employee in Shedigudde. The attackers targeted his head with the sword, but he managed to escape unhurt.

In a further act of vandalism, the accused reportedly smashed the front glass of the auto with a bottle. Aboobacker managed to flee by jumping over a nearby compound wall. A case has been registered at the Hiriyadka Police Station.

Acting immediately, the police arrested both accused and booked them under attempt to murder.

Retaliation for Suhas Shetty murder: SP statement

Udupi District Superintendent of Police Dr. K. Arun stated that the arrested individuals confessed during interrogation that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the murder of Suhas Shetty, which occurred recently in the jurisdiction of Bajpe Police Station in Dakshina Kannada district.

The investigation is ongoing, and the arrested individuals will be presented before a court.

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Raebareli (UP) (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on May 19 on a two-day visit, a Congress office-bearer said on Monday.

Congress district president of Raebareli Pankaj Tiwari said that on the first day, Gandhi will inaugurate a marriage hall at Thakurain Kheda in Bachhrawan. Subsequently, he will address a public meeting in Khiron. In Lalganj, he will participate in a 'mahila samvaad' programme.

He further said that on May 20, he will meet the public during a 'Janata Darshan' programme at the Bhuyemau Guest House. Following this, he will participate in the unveiling of a statue of Veera Pasi and attend a public meeting in Lodhwari.

He will then depart for Amethi.

In Amethi, Gandhi will hold meetings with party functionaries, workers and senior leaders at the party's district headquarters, Congress district unit chief Pradeep Singhal said on Sunday.

According to political observers, this meeting would form a part of the strategic preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alongside an organisational review.

Discussions during the meeting are likely to focus on strengthening the party organisation down to the booth level, increasing participation of youth and women workers, and accelerating public outreach campaigns across villages.

According to sources, a large number of party workers -- from Gram Sabha to the district level -- have been invited to attend the meeting.

Gandhi is expected to interact directly with workers.

During the one-day visit, the Congress leader will also travel to Poore Ramdeen Pandit -- the native village of late Congress district president Yogendra Mishra -- to meet his family members.

Mishra, considered a close associate of the Gandhi family, passed away on March 1 following a prolonged illness.

Political activities in the district have intensified ahead of Gandhi's visit, and party workers have already started making arrangements for his reception.

Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress MP from Amethi, is also holding regular meetings with local leaders and functionaries to review the preparations.