Unidentified assailants stabbed a youth in the neck with a screwdriver and injured 5 others during a scuffle near the Jumma Masjid in Gadag on Thursday, December 26 night. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack.

The victim, identified as Anil Mullal (27), who suffered a critical injury from the screwdriver attack, has been admitted to SDM Hospital in Dharwad for advanced treatment. The other injured individuals — Chetan Mullal, Vinayak Mullal, Abhishek Harlapur, Kiran Salimat, and Sharukh Mulla — are receiving care at Gadag’s JIMS Hospital.

While the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, police suspect personal animosity might have been a factor. Anil, an active member of the Sri Ram Sena, was allegedly targeted deliberately, according to his family members.

Sri Ram Sena leader Pramod Muthalik visited Anil at SDM Hospital to inquire about his health.

Gadag Town Police have registered a case and are conducting further investigations.