Shivamogga (Karnataka), Feb 24 (NationPress) Tension gripped Shivamogga on Tuesday following the tragic demise of a Class 10 student who lost his life while attempting to protect his friend during an assault by local minors. The family of the victim has expressed their intention to take drastic measures if justice is not served.

The victim, Sanket, aged 15, was fatally injured while trying to defend his friend Girish from a group attack on the outskirts of Shivamogga on Monday night, escalating the unrest in the area.

Authorities have detained two minors in relation to this incident. However, the situation has become more complex due to communal tensions, as the alleged attackers reportedly belong to a different community.

Sanket's elder sister, Supriya, stated, "If the offenders are not brought to justice, my family will resort to suicide. After attending the special class, six boys assaulted him. The drug problem is rampant in our area, and they act inappropriately. If all six culprits are not penalized, we will take this drastic step."

In a heart-wrenching statement, Manjula, Sanket's mother, shared her grief, saying, "He left home for the special class, promising to return. I was later called to the hospital, where I learned of his passing. How do I face his father? I have lost my son."

"He was a wonderful child who achieved great things and was dedicated to his studies. I had given him Rs 100 to celebrate after he performed well in his tests. He would wake up early to study, and on that fateful day, he never came back home. How can we cope with this loss?" she lamented.

Shivamogga City MLA Channabasappa remarked, "The special class lasted until 9.30 pm, and the attack occurred afterward. Students have informed me that such violent incidents are not new. The authorities are aware and must act accordingly."

The unfortunate event transpired near Sulebailu Government High School, where students were attending special classes in preparation for the SSLC (Class 10) Board exams.

Shivamogga Superintendent of Police, B. Nikhil, explained, "A quarrel erupted after the special class. Sanket attempted to assist Girish but was struck on the chest and fell. As all involved are minors, two individuals have been apprehended, and we are investigating potential additional suspects."

According to police reports, Sanket, a resident of Sulebailu, was on his way home after the special class when his friend Girish was confronted and attacked by a group of local boys.

Sanket intervened to aid his friend but became a target himself, suffering severe injuries to his chest, face, and abdomen before collapsing.

Girish alerted family members and nearby residents, who rushed to the scene to find Sanket critically injured. He was quickly taken to a private hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries en route, according to police.

The Thunga Nagar police arrived promptly to investigate. In the aftermath, district police have implemented precautionary measures to avert communal unrest, enhancing security at the incident site, Meggan District Hospital, and other sensitive locations throughout the city. A strict watch has been enforced to maintain public order.

Sanket was the sole son of his parents, and his untimely death has left his family in profound sorrow.