20 Stitches, Shoulder Fracture: U19 Coach Allegedly Assaulted By Players

An under-19 cricket coach in Puducherry was brutally assaulted inside the Cricket Association of Puducherry (CAP) grounds, allegedly by three local cricketers who suspected him of influencing their non-selection for the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Hyderabad. Police have launched a manhunt for the trio as the case has now been registered as an attempted murder. According to police, the coach, Venkataraman, was attacked on Monday post noon while supervising practice sessions at the nets. Investigators say the accused - identified as Karthikayan, Arvindraj and Santosh Kumaran - confronted the coach over their omission from the tournament squad. In a sudden escalation, the three allegedly assaulted him with a cricket bat, delivering multiple blows before fleeing the scene.

A senior police officer told NDTV that the assault was "premeditated and extremely violent," adding that the suspects remain absconding. "We are on the lookout for all three", the officer said.

Coach Venkataraman suffered fractures to his shoulder and rib cage, along with a deep gash on his forehead that required 20 sutures, authorities confirmed. He is currently undergoing treatment.

The police have registered an attempt-to-murder case. Investigators say CCTVs in CAP grounds are non functional. 

The shocking incident has sparked outrage in local cricketing circles, with several officials condemning the attack as a dangerous sign of rising pressure and indiscipline among young players. CAP sources said the association would fully cooperate with the investigation and take internal action once the police complete their inquiry.

The violent assault inside a premier cricket facility has raised serious questions about player management, security at training venues, and the stresses surrounding state-level selections. For now, Puducherry Police say the priority is to arrest the accused and ensure accountability for the assault that has left the coaching fraternity shaken.