Beltangady: Dharmasthala police have registered two cases following complaints alleging shop vandalism, assault, verbal abuse and death threats involving two groups in the Beltangady area.
The cases stem from separate complaints relating to a dispute over business premises in Kokkada village and near Sowthadka Temple. Both sides have levelled allegations against members of the other group, and the police are investigating the incidents.
First case over alleged vandalism in Kokkada
According to a complaint filed by Krishna Bhat, a resident of Kokkada in Beltangady, the first incident allegedly occurred on the morning of October 18 at a shop housed in a building belonging to the Sri Maha Ganapathi Seva Trust in Kokkada village.
The complaint states that Raghava Bhandary and his workers were conducting business at the shop when Harish, who had previously operated a business there, allegedly arrived with his wife, children and others and entered the premises.
They allegedly damaged the building and other property, causing an estimated loss of Rs 25,000. The complaint further alleges that Raghava Bhandary and his workers were assaulted, verbally abused and threatened with death.
Based on the complaint, Dharmasthala police registered a case under Crime No. 78/2026.
The case invokes Sections 115(2), 118(1), 324(4), 329(4), 351(2) and 352, read with Section 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Second case over alleged incident near Sowthadka Temple
In a separate complaint connected to the dispute, Harishchandra’s wife accused Raghava Bhandary, Lingappa, Kishore and Chetan of unlawfully entering a shop near Sowthadka Temple while Harishchandra was conducting business there.
According to her complaint, the accused allegedly threw the shop’s belongings outside and verbally abused Harishchandra, his wife and their workers.
The complaint also alleges that the group assaulted them, behaved inappropriately and threatened them with death.
Acting on the complaint, Dharmasthala police registered a second case under Crime No. 79/2026.
The case has been registered under Sections 329(4), 324(4), 352, 74, 118(1), 115(2) and 351(2), read with Section 3(5) of the BNS, 2023.
Police investigation underway
With both groups filing complaints, the police are investigating the allegations made in the two cases. The complaints contain allegations of property damage, assault, intimidation and disruption of business activities.
Police have stated that both cases will be investigated and appropriate legal action taken.
The allegations against the persons named in the complaints have not been established. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.