Mangaluru: An 11-year-old girl sustained burn injuries when two men allegedly stopped a motorcycle carrying her and her father on suspicion of illegal beef transport, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place on Wednesday on the Malali-Naralapadavu Road, under the jurisdiction of Bajpe police station. According to authorities, Abdul Sattar Mullarpattna was riding the motorcycle with his daughter when two men intercepted them and blocked their movement.

“During the obstruction, the motorcycle lost balance, causing the hot silencer to come into contact with the child’s leg, resulting in burn injuries,” a senior police officer said. The girl was immediately taken to a nearby hospital by local residents and is currently receiving treatment. Her condition is reported to be stable. Her father, Abdul Sattar, reportedly fled the scene following the incident.

The two men, Sumith Bhandari and Rajath Nayak, residents of Yedapadavu, arrived at the spot in a four-wheeler and stopped the motorcycle, allegedly suspecting that beef was being transported illegally. Police said approximately 19 kg of beef was found on the motorcycle, allegedly without supporting documents.

Authorities are investigating the incident from multiple angles, including the circumstances under which the motorcycle was stopped and the legality of the transport. While some local residents claimed the meat had valid bills, the police are yet to verify this.

A case has been registered at Bajpe police station, and efforts are ongoing to trace Abdul Sattar to record his statement. Police continue to investigate the matter, taking into account both the alleged violation of laws regarding beef transport and the injury sustained by the minor girl.