Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Mar 21: In a disturbing incident reported from Bantwal, police have booked an autorickshaw driver for allegedly assaulting a staff member and vandalising property at a gas pump agency in Melkar Bogodi, Panemangaluru village.

The complainant, Kunal Bhuhnia (27), who works as a manager at the gas pump agency, stated that the incident took place on Friday, March 20, in the evening. According to his complaint, an auto bearing registration number KA-19-AC-2102 entered the agency premises, driven by Afreez (28), a resident of Sajipamuda in Bantwal.

Police said the accused allegedly stormed into the office area, hurled obscene abuses at a staff member, Ashwin, and proceeded to physically assault him.

The situation escalated further when the accused stepped outside and is said to have damaged property belonging to the agency. The extent of the damage has been estimated at Rs 48,000, as per the complaint.

Based on the statement, Bantwal Town police have registered a case (Crime No. 36/2026) under Sections 115(2), 287, 324(4), 351(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.