Mangaluru, February 1, 2026: The 2nd Additional District and Sessions Court in Mangaluru has sentenced a man to four years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹20,500 for attempting to murder a youth following a bitter rivalry that originated in the popular online mobile game Free Fire.

The incident took place on May 17, 2023. According to the prosecution, Prathyush Saliyan, a resident of Jeppu Bappal in the city, had defeated Sanjay Poojary in Free Fire. Harbouring resentment over the loss, Sanjay allegedly waylaid Prathyush around 3:40 PM while he was walking from his residence towards Nandigudda.

The accused is said to have illegally restrained Prathyush, abused him in filthy language, assaulted him with a knife with intent to cause death, and issued life threats.

Based on Prathyush’s complaint, Pandeshwar police registered a case (Crime No. 63/2023) under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons), 307 (attempt to murder), 504 (intentional insult), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The investigation was initially handled by PSI Sheetal Alaguru, and later completed by PSI Manohar Prasad P, who filed the charge sheet under Sections 341, 325, 324, 326, 307, 504, and 506 IPC.

The case was tried as SC No. 20/2024 before the 2nd Additional District and Sessions Court, Mangaluru. Public Prosecutor Jyothi Nayak argued the case on behalf of the state.

On January 31, 2026, the court found Sanjay Poojary guilty and sentenced him to four years’ imprisonment along with a fine of ₹20,500.