Mangaluru: ‘Hafta’ is a slang term for ‘protection money’ collected by gangsters and corrupt officials periodically. It is, in its crudest form, extortion. Non-payment of this is known to land the ‘protectee’ in serious trouble or even in the hospital, as was the case with Khalid (45), a scrap dealer from Ulaibettu, was allegedly attacked recently for not paying ‘hafta’.

The incident occurred near Vamanjoor on Sunday, June 24, when a group of six rowdy-sheeters jumped Khalid when he was about to close his shop at 6 pm.

Three members of the rowdy gang have been identified as Rahif, Nawaz and Mustafa. They allegedly approached Khalid when he was closing shop, and asked him to pay them ‘hafta.’ When Khalid refused to pay them anything, the rowdies allegedly began to abuse and assault him with rods.

The victim is presently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mangaluru.

Rahif and his gang are, reportedly, a notorious bunch and have several cases against them.