Udupi: A heated altercation between two auto-rickshaw drivers near TMA Pai Hospital in Moodanidambur village escalated into violence, prompting the Udupi Town Police to file criminal cases against both parties involved.
The first complaint was lodged by Prasad (33), a resident of Kurkalu, Udupi. According to him, the incident occurred on June 25 at around 6:15 pm, while he was waiting in line at the designated auto stand. A group led by Raghunandan, Chandra, Panishekhar, Ravi, and Vittal reportedly objected to the number of autos present, insisting the limit was five. Prasad claimed he argued that any permitted auto has the right to park.
Tensions flared when Raghunandan allegedly kicked him in the chest and issued threats. Panishekhar, according to the complaint, even attempted to attack him with a screwdriver, but Prasad escaped uninjured. Based on his statement, Crime No. 112/2025 was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including 189(2), 191(2), 126(2), 115(2), 351(2), and 190.
In a counter-complaint, Raghunandan (57) of Herga village alleged that Prasad approached him earlier that evening around 5:30 pm and brought up an old police case. Raghunandan claimed Prasad assaulted him with a rod, injuring both hands, and followed up with kicks, punches, and threats.
Later, Prasad reportedly returned with a group — Chennakeshava, Rajesh Vittal, Sharath, and Ravi from Shankarpura — and issued further threats. This led to the registration of Crime No. 113/2025, also under relevant BNS sections.
Police are continuing their investigation into both complaints.