Pan Shop Owner Sought Payment For Cigarettes, Customers Killed Him Instead

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 14:40 IST

Local residents, alerted by the commotion, arrived at the scene and found the man in a serious condition. Family members were informed immediately as his injuries appeared severe.

It was close to midnight in Bodakenatti village of Karnataka’s Belagavi district when a small roadside pan shop stayed open a little longer than usual. For the shop owner, it was just another routine night — selling cigarettes, water bottles, and paan to passers-by.

A group of four young men stopped at the stall after attending a village fair in nearby Modaga. Nothing about the moment suggested it would end in tragedy.

A Dispute Over a Few Rupees

According to police, the youths picked up two cigarettes and a bottle of water from the shop. When the shop owner asked them to pay, the men allegedly refused. What followed was a brief verbal exchange that soon grew heated.

Sources said the youths were under the influence of alcohol. The argument, initially about a small payment, escalated rapidly. Voices were raised, tempers flared, and the situation slipped out of control.

When the Argument Turned Violent

Police said the confrontation soon turned physical. The pan shop owner was allegedly assaulted at the spot as the argument intensified. The four youths fled soon after, leaving the shop owner injured.

Local residents, alerted by the commotion, arrived at the scene and found the man in a serious condition. Family members were informed immediately as his injuries appeared severe.

The injured shop owner was rushed to a hospital by his family in the hope that timely medical care would help him recover. However, despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries while being taken for treatment, police said.

The victim was identified as Yallappa Nayak, aged 48, who ran the pan shop to support his family.

Police Case and Arrests

Following the incident, Kakati police registered a case and began an investigation. Based on witness accounts and preliminary findings, four accused were arrested. They were identified as Prajwal Patil, Nikhil Chougule, Vivek Chougule and Shridhar.

Police said all four are residents of Kadoli village and are aged between 20 and 24. Investigators are working to establish the exact sequence of events and determine the individual roles of each accused in the assault.

Further legal action will follow based on the outcome of the investigation, police officials said.

Shock in the Village

News of Nayak’s death has left residents of Bodakenatti and surrounding villages shaken. Locals said he was the sole breadwinner of his family and described him as someone who worked long hours to make ends meet.

Many expressed disbelief that a disagreement over items worth only a few rupees could escalate into fatal violence. Residents have demanded strict action against those responsible and raised concerns about alcohol-fuelled disputes turning deadly.

An Avoidable Tragedy

Police officials noted that such incidents highlight how minor disputes, especially when combined with alcohol consumption, can spiral into serious crimes. As the investigation continues, the case has once again drawn attention to the fragile line between routine disagreements and irreversible consequences.

News india Pan Shop Owner Sought Payment For Cigarettes, Customers Killed Him Instead