Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Oct 18: Dharmasthala Police have registered two cases following allegations of shop vandalism, assault, verbal abuse and death threats involving two groups in the Beltangady area.

According to a complaint filed by Krishna Bhat, a resident of Kokkada in Beltangady, the first incident occurred on the morning of October 18, 2026, at a shop housed in a building belonging to the Sri Maha Ganapathi Seva Trust in Kokkada village.

The complaint states that Raghava Bhandary and his workers were conducting business at the shop when Harish, who had previously run a business there, allegedly arrived with his wife, children and others and suddenly entered the premises. They allegedly damaged the building and other property, causing an estimated loss of Rs 25,000, assaulted Raghava Bhandary and his workers, hurled verbal abuse and threatened them with death.

Based on the complaint, Dharmasthala police registered a case under Crime No. 78/2026 under Sections 115(2), 118(1), 324(4), 329(4), 351(2) and 352, read with Section 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

In a separate complaint connected to the dispute, Harishchandra's wife alleged that Raghava Bhandary, Lingappa, Kishore and Chetan unlawfully entered a shop near the Sowthadka Temple while Harishchandra was conducting business there.

The accused allegedly threw the shop's belongings outside, abused Harishchandra, his wife and their workers, assaulted them, behaved inappropriately and threatened them with death.

Acting on her complaint, Dharmasthala police registered a second case under Crime No. 79/2026 under Sections 329(4), 324(4), 352, 74, 118(1), 115(2) and 351(2), read with Section 3(5) of the BNS, 2023.

Police said both cases would be investigated and appropriate legal action taken.

The allegations in both complaints are under investigation.