Two arrested after knife attack following bike overtaking incident in Honnavar; Police clarifies no communal angle

Honnavar: 20 September 2025 (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Police have arrested two men in connection with a violent altercation that broke out after a bike overtaking incident near Mavinahole bus stop in Honnavar taluk. The clash left one man injured with stab wounds.

According to police, on September 18, 2025, at around 1:45 pm, Vivek Suresh Naik of Koodragi and his relative Sudeep Naik were riding towards Upponi from Gersoppa on a motorcycle. When Vivek attempted to overtake another bike ahead of him near Mavinahole bus stop, one of the riders, identified as Mohammed Asnan (26), son of Naheem Sheikh of Muslimkeri, Sanshi, Honnavar, allegedly made obscene hand gestures at him.

Vivek stopped the bike to question Asnan, leading to a heated argument. During the altercation, Asnan allegedly pulled out a knife from his pocket and attacked Vivek, leaving him injured. Police said Pradeep Ambiga (26), a driver from Mavinahole, Honnavar, who was accompanying Asnan, was also involved in the incident.

The injured Vivek Naik was rushed to hospital for treatment and is currently out of danger. A case (Crime No. 192/2025) has been registered at Honnavar Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Given the seriousness of the case, the investigation is being overseen by the Honnavar Circle Inspector.

Police confirmed that both accused, Asnan and Pradeep, were taken into custody soon after the incident and have been produced before court, which has remanded them to judicial custody.

Investigators have clarified that the attack stemmed from a sudden provocation during the bike overtaking dispute, and there was no evidence of communal or past enmity behind the incident. Police also warned against false rumours and misinformation being spread about the case, cautioning that strict legal action will be taken against anyone engaging in such activities.