Udupi: A heinous crime unfolded in Tripti Nagar, Udupi, as a mysterious assailant brutally stabbed a family of four, including three women and a child. The incident transpired on a Sunday morning within the confines of their residence, leaving the entire family deceased, except for an elderly woman, Hajira (70), who sustained stab injuries and is undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.

The victims have been identified as Haseena (46) and her three children, Afnan (23), Aynaz (21), and Aseem (12). The gruesome attack occurred when a suspect allegedly entered Haseena’s home, targeting the three women. Aseem, who was playing outside, rushed in upon hearing the commotion and tragically met the same fate. Neighbors, alerted by the screams, discovered the horrifying scene and promptly informed the police.

The authorities, upon arrival, found no signs of robbery, ruling out theft as a motive. The police suspect personal enmity as a possible cause behind the gruesome murders. Haseena’s husband, employed in Dubai, was not present during the tragedy. Afnan, one of the victims, had recently returned home for the Diwali holiday from his job at Air India in Bengaluru.

The assailant, described as a masked man in his 40s, hired an auto from Santhekatte to Tripti Nagar around 8:30 am. After the crime, he swiftly returned to the auto stand, hired another auto, and fled the scene. The local police, led by Udupi SP Arun Kumar, is diligently investigating the case. CCTV footage in the vicinity is being scrutinized to identify and apprehend the suspect.

A case has been registered at Malpe Police Station, and the bodies have undergone post-mortem examinations before being handed over to the grieving family. As the community grapples with shock and grief, the pursuit of justice intensifies to bring the perpetrator to account for this brutal act.