The Manipal police have arrested a 31-year-old woman, hailing from Ankola taluk in Uttara Kannada, on charges of attempting to murder a 26-year-old woman, Nikita, and stealing her gold ornaments in Shanti Nagar in Manipal on May 13.The police gave the name of the accused as Sushma Annappa Naika, 31, who hails from Bhavikeri village of Ankola taluk.Ms. Nikita was staying with three other working women in one of the five rented rooms in Sudarshan complex in Shanti Nagar of Manipal. The accused Sushma lived in another rented room next to Ms. Nikita. On May 13 morning, when Ms. Nikita was in her room the accused hit her on the head with a hollow block and stole her 8-gram gold chain and a pair of gold earrings.Ms. Nikita was found on the floor by her roommates and they took her to KMC Hospital in Manipal where she received treatment.The Manipal police registered a case for offences under Sections 109 (attempt to murder) and 309(4) (robbery) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A team headed by Manipal police inspector Mahesh Prasad was formed to trace the culprit.After going through CCTV camera images and other evidence, the team questioned some suspects, including Sushma. THe police said Sushma confided that she was in dire need of money, which she had to send home.Sushma slept with Ms. Nikita in the latter’s room on May 12 night. On May 13 morning, she attacked Ms. Nikita, said the police.The Manipal police team arrested Sushma on Wednesday and recovered the gold chain and a pair of gold earrings, the police said. Published - May 21, 2026 07:45 am IST