A 25-year-old Dalit youth, Shashikant Mallikarjun Natikar, working at a private blood bank in Kalaburagi, was allegedly tortured and killed by the owner, Chandrashekhar Mallinath Patil, over accusations of stealing cigarette packets worth ₹1.40 lakh.
Shashikant, a resident of Pragati Colony, faced physical assault by the owner and his associates, according to a police complaint filed by his father. An FIR has been lodged against Patil and four others, while the main accused remains absconding.
The incident has sparked outrage, raising concerns about caste-based discrimination and workplace safety.