Udupi: A late-night motorcycle accident near Babbuswami Temple in Udupi reportedly escalated into a violent altercation, leading to allegations of assault and gold chain snatching. The Udupi Town police have registered both a case and a counter-case in connection with the incident, and investigations are currently underway.
The incident took place on the night of May 2 and involved two groups presenting differing versions of events, highlighting a dispute that unfolded after a road accident.
Accident leads to confrontation
According to one complaint, S Vaibhav B Nayak, a resident of Badagabettu, was at home with his friends Shashwath Shetty, Abhay Samuel, Yashas, and Aditya Bhat on the night of the incident. After dinner, at around midnight, Abhay Samuel and Shashwath Shetty left the house on a motorcycle.
While travelling near Babbuswami Temple, a stray dog reportedly crossed the road, causing the motorcycle to skid. Both riders fell on the road, drawing the attention of nearby residents.
Allegations of assault and chain snatching
Following the fall, Abhay allegedly contacted Vaibhav, informing him that a group of locals had gathered at the spot and were assaulting them. Vaibhav, along with two others, then rushed to the location in a car.
According to the complaint, a confrontation ensued between Vaibhav’s group and those present at the scene. During the altercation, a person identified as Shekhar is alleged to have slapped Vaibhav. The situation reportedly escalated further, with multiple individuals allegedly attacking the group using a wooden stick, resulting in injuries.
The complaint also alleges that during the scuffle, a gold chain weighing approximately 40 grams, worn by Vaibhav, was snatched.
Counter-complaint presents different version
In a counter-complaint filed at the same police station, Shekhar has presented a contrasting account of the incident.
He stated that he was sitting near his house when he noticed two youths falling off a motorcycle nearby. When he attempted to assist them, he alleged that the riders questioned him aggressively and then assaulted him.
Shekhar further claimed that the two individuals called their associates to the scene. A group reportedly arrived in a car, after which they allegedly abused him, trespassed onto his property, and attacked him with a wooden stick, causing injuries.
He also alleged that he was threatened by the group before they left the location.
Police investigation underway
Udupi Town police have registered both complaints and are investigating the matter from both angles. Officials stated that statements from those involved, as well as eyewitness accounts, are being collected to establish the sequence of events.
Police are also likely to examine medical reports of injuries and any available evidence from the scene to verify the claims made in both complaints.
Conclusion
The incident underscores how a minor road accident can escalate into a serious law-and-order situation when tensions rise. With conflicting versions from both parties, the outcome of the investigation will depend on evidence and witness testimonies.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid confrontations in such situations and instead seek assistance from law enforcement to prevent escalation.