Rattihalli tense as man is beaten to death after quarrel over change

A shop owner’s father was beaten to death by four men following a dispute over giving change during purchase of eggs between the petty shop owner and a customer that escalated into a quarrel in Rattihalli of Haveri district on Wednesday evening.

The incident led to tension in Rattihalli, leading to the police deploying additional forces as a precautionary measure.

Inspector-General of Police Eastern Range B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda and Superintendent of Police Yashodha Vantagodi visited the town on Thursday to take stock of the situation.

The deceased has been identified as 60-year-old Shivajirao Bairoji, a resident of Rattihalli.

Four men, Waseem Mulla, Sarfaraz Mulla, Sadiq Mulla and Shiraj Mulla, all siblings, are accused of beating him to death following a dispute over returning change during purchase of eggs.

According to an FIR filed by Rattihalli Police, prime accused Waseem Mulla had previously picked a quarrel with Shivajirao Bairoji and his son Bharath Bairoji, who runs the petty shop at Rattihalli.

On Wednesday evening, Waseem Mulla purchased five eggs from Bharath. The dispute arose after Waseem sought change for ₹500, while Bharath maintained that he (Waseem) had given just ₹100.

It led to a quarrel during which Waseem attacked Bharath. When the latter’s father Shivajirao tried to intervene and resolve the issue, he too was attacked.

Waseem was later joined by his siblings who too beat up Shivajirao and Bharath. A severely injured Shivajirao was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

The Rattihalli Poilce have registered a case. They are on the look-out for the accused who are absconding.