Egg row turns fatal: Shopkeeper killed, 3 held in Haveri

Haveri: A 55-year-old man, Shivaji Rao Bairoji, was allegedly beaten to death by four youths following a dispute over the purchase of eggs in Rattihalli town of Haveri district on Wednesday night.

Police have arrested three of the accused in connection with the case.The accused — Wasim Mulla, Sarfaraz Mulla, Sadiq Mulla and Shiraz Mulla — all belong to the same family. The altercation reportedly began when the youths visited a shop to buy eggs and a dispute broke out over payment. Wasim allegedly claimed he had handed over ₹500, while the shopkeeper’s family maintained that he had paid only ₹100.The argument soon escalated, and the youths allegedly assaulted the deceased’s son.

Shivaji Rao reportedly intervened to stop the quarrel, following which he was attacked. He was declared dead at the scene. His body was later shifted to the district hospital for postmortem examination.Bharat, the deceased’s son, lodged a complaint with the police. The incident triggered tension in Rattihalli town, prompting senior officers, including IGP Ravikanthe Gowda and SP Yashoda Vantagodi, to visit the spot.

A case has been registered at the Rattihalli police station. Police also held a meeting with leaders of both communities to prevent any law-and-order issues. Heavy security was deployed across the town. Meanwhile, BJP leaders visited Rattihalli and alleged that police had failed to prevent such incidents.Haveri SP Yashoda Vantagodi said Shivaji Rao stepped in to stop the altercation involving his son when the youths allegedly turned on him.

He was reportedly kicked in the chest and suffered fatal injuries during the assault.Wasim Mulla, Sarfaraz Mulla, Sadiq Mulla and Shiraz Mulla were named as accused in the case. They allegedly fled the scene after the incident.“We have already arrested three accused and will soon apprehend the fourth. Necessary measures are being taken to maintain law and order,” the SP said.