Udupi: Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the murder of rowdy-sheeter Sujith Pinto, 43, who was allegedly beaten to death with an iron rod following a dispute over money at Baikady, within the Brahmavar police station limits, on Tuesday night.
The accused have been identified as Pramod Poojari, the prime accused, and his brother Pradeep Poojari. According to police, a financial dispute between Pramod, an autorickshaw driver who supplied household materials, and Sujith allegedly escalated into a fatal confrontation.
Money dispute allegedly led to murder
Police said Sujith owed money to Pramod, which is believed to have triggered the dispute. Pramod allegedly asked Sujith to meet him near Baikady Circle. Sujith reportedly arrived at the spot with a friend.
An argument allegedly broke out between the two men, with both said to have been under the influence of alcohol. During the confrontation, Pramod allegedly struck Sujith on the head with an iron rod, killing him.
Pramod was arrested shortly after the incident. Police later launched a search for his brother, Pradeep, who had allegedly fled the scene, and subsequently arrested him as well.
Old rivalry may have contributed to the incident
Investigators are also examining whether an existing personal rivalry played a role in the murder.
Sujith had reportedly moved from Santhekatte in Udupi to Baikady around five years ago. According to the information available in the case, Sujith, Pramod and Pradeep had previously been associated with the same group and would allegedly get into arguments after drinking alcohol.
Sujith was also accused of verbally abusing and harassing the two brothers in recent days, according to reports. Police are investigating whether these alleged past disagreements, along with the financial dispute, contributed to the incident.
Pradeep reportedly worked as an autorickshaw driver, while Pramod was employed as a mason.
Sujith was an accused in previous murder cases
Police said Sujith had previously been named as an accused in several murder cases.
These included the 2018 murder of club owner Gurupasad Bhat in Manipal and the 2020 murder of Yogish Poojari in Lakshminagar, Tenkaniyur, within the Malpe police station limits.
Police visited the crime scene and conducted an inspection following the incident. A case has been registered at the Brahmavar police station, and further investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder.