Kundapur: PUC student commits suicide after scooter accident

Kundapur: PUC student commits suicide after scooter accident

Mangalore Today News Network

Kundapur, Jan 6, 2026: A first-year PUC student allegedly ended his life on Sunday at Kalladi near Saibrakatte, reportedly fearing reprimand from his family after damaging a scooter.

The deceased has been identified as Vanshik (17), son of Manjunath Shettigar, an MESCOM employee, and Soumya Shettigar. Vanshik was studying in the commerce stream at a college near Kundapur.

According to reports, a family function was held on Sunday morning at a relative’s house in Karkala. A scooter was temporarily parked at Vanshik’s home in Saibrakatte by a relative, who then left for the function along with Manjunath Shettigar and other family members, leaving Vanshik’s grandfather alone at home.

Vanshik reportedly took the scooter out to learn riding but lost control, causing it to fall and sustain minor damage. Fearing scolding, he allegedly threw his mobile phone and helmet at the spot and fled from the scene.

When the family returned in the afternoon and found Vanshik missing, they began searching with friends and neighbors. The scooter, mobile, and helmet were found nearby, and his chappals and shirt were later recovered near a farm pond close to the house. His body was subsequently found in the pond.

Kota police have registered a case, visited the site, and are investigating. Vanshik, the only child of his parents, was described as soft-natured. Authorities noted that the scooter had not suffered major damage, and his parents were not inclined toward harsh punishment.

The family, who had pinned their hopes on Vanshik as the guiding light of their home, is now grieving the tragic and untimely loss.