Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Kundapura, Jan 23: A land dispute in Basrur village turned violent, leaving Keshava (48) injured after a team allegedly attacked him with a grass-cutting machine.

The accused — identified as Vitthala, Appu, Uday, Vinod, Raghavendra, Raghu, Sumathi, and Shankar — reportedly had a longstanding dispute with Keshava over land and a traditional garadi (gymnasium) house. On the day of the incident, Vitthala allegedly trespassed onto Keshava's field with a grass-cutting machine and began clearing grass. When Keshava confronted him, the machine was allegedly turned on him, causing injuries to his hand as he tried to shield himself. Keshava was admitted to a government hospital for treatment.

Additionally, a complaint was filed stating that Keshava's sister, who came to his aid, was also assaulted.

In a counter-complaint, Vitthala (55) alleged that Keshava, along with Krishna, Raju, Gangadhara, Pandu, Girija, Lakshmi, and Usha, objected to the grass being cleared near the garadi house. The activity was said to be in preparation for the annual Kenda Seve (fire-walking ritual) held at the nearby Mudkeri Garadi. During the altercation, the group allegedly pulled the machine, causing Vitthala to lose balance and fall, leading to further assault.

Both cases have been registered at the rural police station, and investigations are ongoing to determine the facts behind the incident.