Six Muslim Youths Detained After Hindu Woman Alleges Knife Threat and Pursuit in Karnataka’s Puttur; Police Register Counter Case, Probe Underway.

B Upendran | HENB | Puttur | July 9, 2026:: Police in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district have detained six youths after a Hindu woman alleged that she was threatened with a knife and chased in a vehicle while on her way to work in Puttur taluk. The incident, which occurred on the morning of July 8 at Purusharakatte, has triggered widespread concern locally, with police registering a case and launching a detailed investigation. A counter-complaint has also been filed by the accused, prompting police to investigate both versions of the incident.

According to the woman’s complaint lodged at the Puttur Women’s Police Station, she had parked her scooter at Purusharakatte before boarding transport to Mangaluru, where she works. At around 6:45 a.m., she alleged that a group of Muslim youths approached her, with one of them allegedly brandishing a knife and threatening her.

Fearing for her safety, the woman immediately boarded an autorickshaw and headed towards Puttur. However, she alleged that the group continued to pursue her in a Mahindra Thar SUV carrying six occupants. During the pursuit, the youths allegedly again threatened her while following the autorickshaw.

The woman later informed members of Hindu organisations and local BJP leaders, following which a formal complaint was lodged with the police.

Investigators have reportedly obtained CCTV footage from the vicinity, which is said to show some of the youths carrying a knife at the location. The footage has become a key part of the ongoing investigation and is being examined by police.

Acting on the complaint, police traced the vehicle and detained all six youths for questioning. A criminal case has been registered at the Puttur Women’s Police Station, and investigators are examining witness statements, CCTV footage and other available evidence to establish the sequence of events.

During questioning, however, the detained youths denied threatening the woman. According to police, they claimed that they had purchased bread from a nearby bakery and had temporarily taken a knife from the shop to spread cheese on it. They maintained that they were returning the knife to the bakery before proceeding to a gym as part of their regular routine and denied engaging in any criminal act.

The youths have also filed a counter-complaint at the Puttur Town Police Station. In their complaint, they alleged that certain individuals associated with a Hindu organisation attempted to have a false criminal case registered against them through the woman due to religious hostility.

Police have confirmed that two separate cases have been registered and that both complaints will be investigated impartially. Officials have stated that legal action will be taken only after the evidence—including CCTV footage, witness accounts and forensic examination of the available material—is thoroughly assessed. The police have also warned against spreading unverified or misleading information about the incident while the investigation is in progress.

The case has drawn public attention in the communally sensitive coastal belt of Karnataka, where law enforcement authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any escalation of tensions. The investigation remains ongoing.
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_Agency Inputs/Screenshot Pic. from Udayavani.