Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 10: A dispute over vehicle movement in the parking area of the Sri Krishna Math escalated into a physical altercation between tourists from Andhra Pradesh and a local resident on Tuesday night. Udupi Town police have arrested the accused, Supreeth Kumar (40), and registered cases based on complaints filed by both parties.

The incident occurred when an argument broke out between a group of tourists from Hyderabad and a local resident, identified as Supreeth Kumar, a native of Korangrapady, over the manner in which a car was being driven in the crowded parking area.

Supreeth Kumar

The tourists alleged that Supreeth drove his car recklessly and attempted to drive the vehicle towards them during the altercation. They further claimed that he threatened them, saying, “I am a local person and this is how I drive,” before allegedly attacking them with a wooden Kambala pole kept inside the vehicle. Some tourists reportedly sustained injuries in the incident.

A complaint was filed at the Udupi Town police station by Pawan, a resident of Hyderabad, against Supreeth Kumar.

Meanwhile, Supreeth Kumar lodged a counter-complaint, alleging that the tourists damaged the glass of his car and assaulted him after he requested them to allow him to drive slowly through the crowded area. He stated that he was travelling with his wife when the tourists confronted him and allegedly attacked him using a chair and a photo stand, resulting in bleeding injuries to his mouth.

The tourists involved in the incident had reportedly arrived from Andhra Pradesh along with women and children for darshan at the Krishna Math.

Local residents and bystanders intervened and managed to bring the situation under control before it escalated further.

Both parties have filed complaints against each other at the Udupi Town police station. Police have registered the cases, arrested accused Supreeth Kumar (40), and commenced further investigation.