HUBBALLI: An old rivalry cost a person his life as a group attacked three siblings in their twenties in front their house at Amar Colony in Goppanakoppa here on Wednesday night.
One of the siblings died on the spot and two others are undergoing treatment at a hospital. The attackers had a rift with the victims over pigeon racing and that could have led to the attack, according to the police.
The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Tousif Karadagi, a resident of Amar Colony in Gopanakoppa. His injured siblings Mohammad Azaad and Vaseem Akram are now being treated at the KIMS Hospital.
The police have detained four persons in connection with the attack.
According to the police, the incident happened while Tousif and his brothers Azaad and Akram were in conversation at their home.
Suddenly, a group of 8-10 members led by one Saddam Kirdi, attacked them with shrapnels. Tousif was the first to be attacked while two others were injured when they came to his rescue. In retaliation, relatives of the victims attacked a wood depot of Saddam and burnt it. The police rushed to the spot and brought situation under control.
A case has been registered at Ashok Nagar police station.
The attacking gang had nearly 10 members and all of them had a fight with Tousif during the recently held Urus at Kateri Sha Durga near Nrupatunga Hills. It is said that the main accused has been absconding.
Commissioner of Police P H Rane said a team has been formed at the Ashok Nagar police and soon the attackers will be caught. “Its seems like an old rivalry. But the police are looking at other angles too,” he said.
Pigeon racing racket
Hubballi has a number of pigeon racers, a sports which is considered illegal due to involvement of animal abuse and betting. The passion for rearing pigeons is now getting many youngsters into betting and bird racing. It is not just restricted to Hubballi and Dharwad. It’s a inter-state gambling racket, say sources.