Motorcycle-borne attackers create panic among people in Bhatkal

Bhatkal, February 12: Despite a stern warning by the police, the attacks on vehicles on National Highway 17 in Bhatkal and surrounding villages by motorcycle-borne miscreants continued on Friday night too.

The unidentified attackers have been creating fear among commuters by throwing soft drink and soda bottles at their vehicles in and around Bhatkal since 15 days. In some cases, the miscreants even tried to run over some persons with stolen motorcycles. They also brought the stolen motorcycles under the speeding vehicles on the national highway.

Despite patrolling by the police and vigilance by local people, three trucks were attacked within 15 minutes on Friday night on the outskirts of Bhatkal. The modus operandi in these cases was similar. The miscreants came on motorcycles and threw bottles at the vehicles coming in the opposite direction. In many cases, passengers and drivers suffered head and eye injuries.

On Thursday, M. Narayan, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bhatkal, had held a meeting and sought the cooperation of the people to catch the miscreants.

Mr. Narayan even warned that the police would not hesitate to open fire at the miscreants, depending on the situation. Patrolling has been intensified in the area and people have been asked to keep a vigil on the miscreants.

A few days ago, a stolen motorcycle was laid on the highway, but an alert driver avoided it. The police suspect that the intention of the miscreants is to create fear among the people.

But people are of the opinion that the miscreants are professionals. However, the police have expressed confidence that they would nab the miscreants soon.