A tragic incident in Udupi has resulted in the death of a young man following a violent physical assault by a group of four individuals. The event, which unfolded near Padukere Circle on Sunday evening, stemmed from a heated argument over personal and drinking-related matters.
The Fatal Altercation and Assault
The deceased has been identified as Santosh Poojary. According to police reports, Poojary, along with friends including Sachin, Chetan, Kaushik, Sujan, and Darshan, had attended a party at a bar. Later, the group proceeded to Padukere Circle, where they were eating and conversing.
During this conversation, the atmosphere turned hostile. Darshan, Kaushik, Ankit, and Sujan reportedly initiated a heated argument with Santosh Poojary. The dispute centered on issues related to his family and his drinking habits. The verbal confrontation quickly escalated into physical violence.
The group allegedly began abusing Poojary with foul language and then collectively assaulted him. In the scuffle, Darshan is accused of hitting Santosh forcefully on the back of his neck with his hand. Kaushik also assaulted him with his hand. A witness named Rajat attempted to intervene and stop the fight, but the assault proved fatal. Following the attack, Santosh Poojary collapsed on the spot. Seeing his condition, all the accused individuals fled from the scene.
Hospitalization and Police Action
Santosh was found frothing at the mouth and unable to speak. The complainant, Rajat, then called Sachin, Chetan, and Prakash for help. The injured youth was shifted in a car to a hospital in Brahmavar. However, doctors examined him and declared him dead upon arrival.
Based on the formal complaint stating that Darshan, Kaushik Jogi, Ankit, and Sujan abused Santosh using obscene language and fatally assaulted him, the Kota police station registered a case. The charges have been filed under Sections 103, 115(2), 352 read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The police have arrested the four accused individuals. They are: Darshan (21) from Padukere, Kaushik (21) from Pandeshwar, Ankit (19), and Sujan (21) from Padukere. All have been taken into custody and will be produced before the court for further legal proceedings.
Community in Shock
This violent incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Udupi. The case highlights the devastating consequences of arguments escalating into physical violence. The police investigation is ongoing to piece together the complete sequence of events leading to the tragic death of Santosh Poojary.
