Kundapur: Youth arrested after setting up TV and sound system on NH-66, threatening police with knife

Mangalore Today News Network

Kundapur, July 15, 2026: A 25-year-old man allegedly set up a table, television, and sound system in the middle of National Highway-66 near Kota on Tuesday morning, disrupting traffic and startling motorists and locals for some time.

The accused has been identified as Ranjith Somayaji (25), a resident near the Bellada Ganapathi Temple in Kotathattu village. He was later taken into custody by Kota Police.

The incident occurred at around 10 a.m. According to police, Ranjith placed a table in the middle of the highway, installed a television and loudspeakers on it, and played music at high volume. The unusual act obstructed the flow of traffic, causing confusion among commuters and local residents. Members of the public alerted the police after witnessing the incident.

When police arrived at the scene and attempted to remove the obstruction and detain him, Ranjith allegedly brandished a knife and tried to attack the officers. Police subsequently overpowered him, took him into custody, and brought him to the police station for questioning.

During the preliminary investigation, police suspected that the accused may be suffering from mental health issues. However, they said no official medical records are currently available to confirm that he had previously undergone psychiatric treatment. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

Videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media, with the man’s unusual behaviour triggering widespread discussion online.