Sullia: Auto driver killed after car hits vehicle and flees, crushed under tipper near Sampaje Gate

Mangalore Today News Network

Sullia, Jan 30, 2026: An auto-rickshaw driver was killed on the spot after a car rammed into his vehicle from behind and fled the scene, following which the injured driver fell under the wheels of an oncoming tipper lorry. The tragic incident occurred near the Kodagu Sampaje Gate on Thursday.

The auto-rickshaw was heading from Sampaje Gate towards Chedavu when, at a curve near the Kodagu Sampaje petrol pump, a car coming from behind hit the vehicle and sped away. In the impact, the auto veered forward and the driver was run over by the wheels of an oncoming tipper lorry, resulting in his instant death.

The deceased has been identified as Sundar Chittikkana (56), son of Ramanna Gowda of Biselumane. Another passenger travelling in the auto-rickshaw sustained injuries in the incident.

Sundar had earlier served as a member and vice-president of the Sampaje Gram Panchayat and was actively involved in social work. At the time of the accident, he was taking Padmavathi, mother of Gram Panchayat member Anita, from Sampaje to her residence near Chedavu.