Puttur: A minor dispute over a document allegedly getting burnt in a lamination machine at a shop in Darbe escalated into a physical altercation, following which Puttur police intervened and warned against attempts to give the incident a communal colour.
According to a police media release, two individuals have also been booked for allegedly circulating provocative messages on social media and calling for a bandh. Police said legal action in connection with the incident would be taken strictly on the basis of evidence and not on public pressure, emotional demands or social media narratives.
The authorities have urged the public not to believe rumours, unverified posts or inflammatory messages and have warned that attempts to disturb communal harmony will invite legal action.
Document damage triggers altercation
According to the police, the incident began after a technical snag in a lamination machine allegedly damaged a customer’s document.
Police said the matter could have been resolved peacefully or pursued through appropriate legal and consumer grievance mechanisms. However, the customer allegedly behaved aggressively with a worker at the shop.
Shop owner Akshatha Rai, also identified as Anjana Pai, reportedly intervened in the matter, following which the situation escalated into a physical altercation.
During the commotion, police said Sudarshan Pai allegedly assaulted another person who was attempting to record the incident on a mobile phone. Video footage of the sequence of events is available with the authorities and is being examined as part of the investigation.
Police subsequently took Sudarshan Pai into custody. However, tension reportedly continued near the police vehicle, where some individuals allegedly behaved aggressively.
According to the police release, a person identified as Naushad was allegedly seen reaching inside the vehicle. Sudarshan’s father, Sadhashiv Pai, who was inside the vehicle at the time, will be questioned to establish the exact sequence of events.
Police cite criminal backgrounds
The police also stated that several individuals allegedly involved in the incident have previous criminal cases.
According to the release, Sudarshan Pai has earlier cases registered against him, including cases related to an attempt to murder and drug peddling.
Police further said that Naushad and Sadhashiv Pai have previous cases relating to alleged assault during road rage incidents. Two other individuals who were reportedly present at the scene also have prior criminal cases, the release added.
The police said these details were disclosed as part of their efforts to place the available facts before the public and prevent misinformation surrounding the incident.
However, the authorities clarified that any action in the present case would be based on evidence gathered during the investigation and not merely on the previous records or identity of those involved.
Action will be based on evidence
Responding to demands for the arrest of Naushad, Niyaz, Akshatha Rai, Sadhashiv Pai and others, the police said investigations would proceed according to the facts and admissible evidence.
The police stressed that the law does not permit action solely on the basis of emotional demands, public pressure or narratives circulated on social media.
They also said that a person’s religion, community or social identity would not determine the course of legal action.
Police said some vested interests were attempting to portray the incident through a communal lens and create tension between communities.
The department appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information. People with genuine doubts or concerns have been encouraged to approach the police and seek clarification based on the evidence available with investigators.
The police said they were prepared to present the relevant facts to clear misunderstandings and prevent rumours from further aggravating the situation.
Two FIRs registered over provocative social media posts
The Puttur Town police have registered separate cases against two individuals accused of allegedly spreading messages that could incite unrest and disturb communal harmony.
In the first case, FIR No 100/2026, a person using the WhatsApp account ‘Dinesh Panjiga’ has been booked under Sections 353(2), 57 and 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
According to the police, the case relates to the alleged circulation of messages aimed at inciting religious enmity, creating fear among the public and calling for a bandh that could lead to an unlawful assembly.
In a related development, a second FIR, No 102/2026, has been registered against a person operating the Facebook account ‘Sanjeeva Matandoor’.
The person has been booked under the same provisions for allegedly broadcasting similar messages on social media. Police said the posts were allegedly intended to disturb religious harmony, create public panic and instigate people to form an unlawful assembly through a bandh call.
Further investigation into both cases is underway.
Police warn against disruptive protests
The police department clarified that citizens have the fundamental right to protest peacefully and that necessary permissions would be granted upon request in accordance with the law.
At the same time, the department warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone who deliberately schedules or organises protests with the intention of disturbing peace, communal harmony or normal life.
The police urged people not to exploit the Darbe incident to create divisions or tension in society. They said peaceful and constructive methods should be used to raise grievances.
To restore normalcy and maintain law and order, a peace committee meeting has been scheduled for 5 pm on Sunday, August 23, at the Puttur SDPO office.
The police have requested members of the public and concerned groups to participate in the meeting and express their concerns in a peaceful and constructive manner.
As the investigation continues, police have reiterated that all action will be guided by available evidence and the law, while warning against attempts to spread rumours, provoke communal tension or disrupt public peace.