College student attacked during failed abduction bid in Beltangady

Dakshina Kannada: A minor college student had a narrow escape after three unidentified men allegedly attempted to kidnap her and later attacked her with a knife in Beltangady town on Monday morning.

The victim, a first-year Pre-University student and resident of Sudemugeru, was heading to college on her scooter when the incident took place. Around 8.30 am, near Santekatte, a car suddenly intercepted her vehicle.

Giving details of the case, a Beltangady police officer said, “The accused arrived in a car with the registration number concealed using a piece of cloth. They deliberately blocked the girl’s scooter and tried to force her into their vehicle.”

The student bravely resisted the attempt and started screaming for help. “She did not lose courage and fought back. Her resistance created panic among the accused,” the officer explained.

As people nearby began to notice the disturbance and another scooter approached from behind, the attackers abandoned their plan. However, before fleeing, one of the men allegedly stabbed the girl on her hand and fingers with a knife.

Recalling the incident, the injured student told police, “I was on my way to catch the bus when they stopped me. They tried to pull me into the car. I kept shouting and somehow escaped. Then one of them attacked me with a knife and they sped away.”

Following the attack, she was rushed to the Beltangady taluk government hospital. Doctors treating her said, “The girl has sustained cuts on her hand and fingers. She is out of danger and recovering well.”

Police teams immediately reached the hospital and recorded her statement. “We are treating this case very seriously. Efforts are on to identify the vehicle and the suspects. Nearby CCTV cameras are being checked,” said an investigating officer.

A case has been registered under relevant sections for attempt to kidnap and causing hurt. Police have also alerted check-posts and intensified vehicle checks in and around Beltangady.

Local residents expressed concern over the incident. A college parent said, “This is very disturbing. Our children should feel safe while going to college. The culprits must be caught immediately.”

Authorities suspect that the attackers might have been following the girl and are probing whether there was any prior motive behind the crime.

Beltangady police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information about suspicious vehicles or persons seen in the area on Monday morning. The investigation is continuing.

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