Belagavi: A 48-year-old pan shop owner died while being taken to hospital after he was allegedly assaulted by 4 youths for asking them to pay for two cigarettes and a water bottle they took from his shop. The incident occurred at Bodakenatti village in Belagavi taluk late Tuesday night.The deceased was identified as Yallappa Nayak. Police said the accused—Prajwal Patil, Nikhil Chougule, Vivek Chougule and Shridhar—were arrested by Kakati police.
According to police sources, the four youths, all residents of Kadoli village, were returning home after attending a village fair in Modaga. On the way, they stopped at Yallappa’s pan shop in Bodakenatti and bought two cigarettes and a water bottle.When the shopkeeper demanded payment, the youths allegedly refused, leading to a verbal altercation that escalated into a physical assault. After attacking him, the accused fled the spot, police said.Family members rushed Yallappa to hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way.A case was registered at Kakati police station, and further investigation is under way. Police said the accused were aged between 20 and 24 years.
