Mangaluru police dismantled the initial narrative of a routine road accident after a Bolero pickup plowed into a scooter near the Boliyar petrol pump on Monday evening. The impact catapulted the two-wheeler into an electric pole, killing both riders instantly. What started as a traffic investigation quickly curdled into a homicide probe when investigators realized the driver, Hafeez, didn't just miss his turn. He chased them.
The victims, Mohammed Arfaz, 22, from Arebinagar in Kinya, and his friend Mohammed Afraz, were sharing the scooter. Their last known argument involved a mobile phone belonging to a mutual friend near Rantadka Cross. The verbal spat escalated into a physical fight, triggering a vendetta that followed the men down the road. Hafeez allegedly accelerated, rammed the rear of the scooter, and broke through the pole in a violent display of rage.
This wasn't just a collision; it was a targeted strike. The vehicle's trajectory and the force of the impact suggest intent, a grim reality confirmed by Hafeez's initial statements during interrogation. Casualty figures are stark: 2 dead. The electric pole, a silent witness, snapped under the weight of the pickup, leaving a scene that shocked the nearby petrol pump workers.
Investigators are currently working to corroborate Hafeez's alleged admission with CCTV footage and witness accounts. The case has been registered as murder, a charge that carries the weight of premeditation and malice. Police are moving fast to establish the exact sequence of events, ensuring the motive is locked in by evidence, not just confession. The next step involves a formal charge sheet, which could arrive within days if the forensic and testimonial evidence aligns with the suspect's account.