Mangalore: Lorry driver assaulted by owner dies, six arrested

Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Feb 11: The driver of a lorry, who was assaulted by the owner for using the lorry for a personal visit to Murdeshwar last week, passed away in a hospital here on Monday February 11. The conductor of the lorry was assaulted by the owner.

Lorry driver Srikanth (23) and cleaner Shivaji (22), both from Haveri, were allegedly assaulted by Laxmeesha, the owner of a lorry that transports soil.

As per the police complaint, on February 4, as the lorry was not hired on duty, Srikanth and Shivaji took the lorry to Murdeshwar to meet a friend, without the permission of the owner. On February 5, the lorry met with an accident in Murdeshwar, after which Srikanth called up Laxmeesha to inform him about it.

Laxmeesha rushed to Murdeshwar along with some of his friends. He brought Srikanth and Shivaji to a deserted spot at an internlock manufacturing factory owned by one Prakash Shetty near Maravoor railway bridge, and allegedly assualted the duo.

After assaulting them, Laxmeesha and his friends put Srikanth and Shivaji in a 407 tempo and fled.

The two were found in a battered state by the locals who heard their cries and informed the police. The injured were shifted to Wenlock. Srikanth passed away on February 11.
 
Following Srikanth's death, a case of murder has now been registered in the Bajpe police station.

Laxmeesha, Bejai Ashwin Shetty, Kiran of Shaktinagar, Shilash from Padubondantila, Ashwith from Kankanady, Bipin Rai (lawyer) from Jayashreee Gate have been arrested. Three others - Prakash, Ranjith and Leslie Fernandes are said to be absconding.

The court has given Bipin an interim bail as he is getting engaged.