Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Mar 21: A dispute over a pending bill escalated into a heated altercation between two neighbouring shop owners at Santhekatte on Saturday, March 21, causing tension in the area and drawing the attention of passersby.

The quarrel broke out between a fruit shop owner and two individuals from a nearby optical shop over non-payment of dues for tender coconuts. It is learnt that two individuals from the optical shop had been regularly purchasing tender coconuts from the fruit vendor and postponing payment, assuring that the amount would be cleared later.

Over time, the dues reportedly accumulated to the cost of around 20 tender coconuts. When the fruit shop owner demanded settlement of the long-pending bill, an argument ensued, which quickly turned into a physical confrontation.

A woman associated with the optical shop allegedly damaged fruits kept for sale at the fruit stall, leading to further chaos. In the midst of the scuffle, it is also reported that a man from the optical shop was seen holding a sharp object, raising concerns among bystanders.

Locals present at the scene intervened promptly, managing to de-escalate the situation and reportedly confiscating the sharp object from the individual to prevent any serious harm.