Udupi: A 44-year-old relative of a petrol bunk owner was allegedly assaulted by five men at a petrol bunk in Gundibail, Udupi, on the night of November 7, reportedly after he questioned a person for consuming alcohol on the premises.
The injured person has been identified as Ashish Shetty, a resident of Nittoor. According to the complaint, the incident took place at around 10 pm on Saturday when a private bus driver, identified as Akash, parked his bus inside the petrol bunk premises and began consuming alcohol.
Ashish Shetty noticed this and reportedly warned him against drinking alcohol on the premises. An argument broke out between the two, followed by a physical altercation.
Five men allegedly return to petrol bunk
A short while later, four men reportedly arrived at the petrol bunk in a car, while another came in a lorry. After filling the lorry with diesel worth ₹3,000, the group allegedly attacked Ashish Shetty.
According to the complaint, the accused punched and kicked him. One of them, identified as Puneeth, allegedly struck Ashish on the head with a bracelet he was wearing.
Ashish sustained injuries in the assault and was admitted to a private hospital, where he received treatment.
Case registered, police search for accused
A case has been registered at the Udupi Town Police Station in connection with the incident. Police have launched a search to trace the accused, who are reportedly absconding.
The Kannada report also states that Puneeth Falimar and members of his group were allegedly involved in a separate knife attack on a Hindu organisation leader at Malpe Beach a few months ago.
Police are continuing their efforts to locate those involved in the petrol bunk assault.