Udupi: Five persons have been arrested in connection with a sword attack on a youth near PPC Cross in Udupi city. The attack reportedly stemmed from a quarrel that began at a hotel over a minor issue.

The arrests were made on February 13 at Yellapur in Uttara Kannada district by the Udupi City Police.

The accused have been identified as Akshath Pai (27) of Kunjibettu, Sushanth (25) of Shivalli, Ramananda Pai (42) of Udupi, Santosh Koraga (38) of Uppoor and Shamshank Nayak (25) of Alevoor village.

Incident details

According to the complaint, on January 30, 2026, the complainant Sharath Kunder had gone to a hotel in Manipal for dinner. During the visit, an argument broke out after an accidental physical contact. Police said the accused allegedly held a grudge over the incident.

Later, Akshath Pai allegedly called Sharath to PPC Cross on the pretext of settling the issue.

At around 11.30 pm, while Sharath and his friends were speaking near PPC Cross, a group of accused persons arrived in a Tata Safari and a Mahindra Thar. They allegedly abused Sharath and attacked him with a sword and iron rods.

Sharath sustained serious injuries to his right palm, middle finger and left wrist while trying to defend himself. When his friends raised an alarm, the accused allegedly threatened them and fled from the spot.

Sharath was admitted to a private hospital for treatment. A case was registered at the Udupi City Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Police teams traced and arrested the accused, who were absconding, at Yellapur.

Officials said a Hyundai Venue car worth around Rs 8 lakh, allegedly used in the crime, and two mobile phones were seized from the accused. The arrested persons will be produced before a court, according to a police release.