Pan Shop Owner Dies After Assault Over Cigarette Payment in Belagavi Village

A 48-year-old pan shop owner was beaten to death following a dispute over payment in a village near Belagavi. The incident occurred late at night when four men stopped at the shop after attending a local fair. A minor argument over cigarettes and water bottles quickly turned violent. The victim was identified as Yallappa Naik. He died while being taken to the hospital for treatment.

According to police, the accused took four to five cigarettes and two water bottles from the shop. When Yallappa asked them to pay, they allegedly refused and began abusing him. The situation escalated within minutes. Two of the men reportedly held him while another assaulted him. The attack left Yallappa seriously injured.

Yallappa’s brother, Ningappa Naik, said the assault happened around midnight. He stated that the family rushed to the spot after hearing the commotion. The injured man was first taken to a nearby hospital. Doctors later advised shifting him to KLE Hospital for advanced treatment. However, Yallappa died on the way.

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Local residents claimed the accused was drunk at the time of the incident. They alleged the men were creating trouble in the area even before reaching the shop. Witnesses said the group was behaving aggressively while returning from the village fair. The incident has triggered anger and fear among locals. The victim was the sole breadwinner of his family.

Police have arrested four accused in connection with the case. They have been identified as Prajwal Patil (22), Nikhil Chougale (22), Viveil Chougale, and Shridhar Patil. A case has been registered at Kakati Police Station. Further investigation is underway to determine individual roles. The family has demanded strict punishment for the accused.

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