Udupi: Udupi Town Police have registered a case and a counter-case following a road rage incident near the Sri Krishna Temple on Tuesday evening. Police have also arrested one of the individuals involved and launched an investigation into the allegations made by both parties.
The incident occurred near the temple parking area and reportedly escalated into a physical altercation involving members of two families. Both sides have accused each other of assault and abuse, leading to separate complaints being filed with the police.
Tourist alleges assault after dispute over speeding car
According to a complaint filed by Ranga Rao, a resident of Ravindra Nagar in Hyderabad, Telangana, the incident took place around 7.50 pm when he had parked his vehicle near the temple and was crossing the road with his family to visit the shrine.
Rao alleged that a car driven by Suprith Kumar approached at high speed towards them. When he reportedly requested the driver to slow down, an argument ensued.
The complainant claimed that Suprith identified himself as a local resident and allegedly responded that his vehicle had neither a horn nor brakes. Rao further alleged that Suprith verbally abused him and his family in Kannada before taking out a stick-like object from the vehicle and assaulting them.
According to the complaint, Rao sustained a head injury during the altercation.
Based on the complaint, Udupi Town Police registered a case under Sections 74, 118(1), 352 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Local resident files counter-complaint
In a counter-complaint, Suprith Kumar (40), a resident of Korangrapady village in Udupi, presented a different version of events.
He alleged that he was travelling with his wife and child along the Kalsanka–Rajangana road at around 7.30 pm when another car approached recklessly and nearly collided with his vehicle.
According to Suprith, he stopped his vehicle and questioned the other driver regarding his driving. He alleged that the occupants of the other vehicle then got out and attacked him using a photo stand and chairs.
He further claimed that his wife, who remained seated inside the car, was also assaulted during the incident.
Allegations of injuries and vehicle damage
Suprith alleged that the attackers abused him in a language unknown to him before assaulting him with an iron object and other items, causing injuries that led to bleeding from his tongue.
He also claimed that the front windshield of his vehicle was damaged during the altercation.
Based on his complaint, police registered a separate case under Sections 74, 118(1) and 324 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
One person arrested, probe continues
Police officials stated that Suprith Kumar has been arrested in connection with one of the cases and will be produced before the court.
Investigators are currently examining the complaints, witness statements and other evidence to determine the sequence of events that led to the confrontation.
Authorities have said that further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.