Udupi: Man Arrested After Alleged Acid Attack and Sword Assault Attempt on Shop Owner
Udupi: A dispute over the refund of a rental deposit allegedly led to an acid attack and an attempted sword assault on a shop owner at Kalkura Building on Railway Station Road on October 28. The shop owner, Naveen Kumar (58), sustained burn injuries and is undergoing treatment in the burns ward at KMC Hospital.
Police have arrested Suresh Acharya (48), a resident of Manoligujji, Kunjibettu Post, Udupi, who was reportedly staying in a rented house near the MGM grounds in Shivalli village. He works as a jewellery craftsman and part-time Swiggy delivery worker. Police have seized a white Honda Activa scooter bearing registration number KA 20 EK 6450 and a sword allegedly used in the incident.
According to the police, Naveen Kumar runs a shop at Kalkura Building on Railway Station Road and had rented out the first floor of his house in Vishnumurthi Nagar to Suresh Acharya. After the tenant vacated the premises, damage was reportedly found to the walls and taps.
Naveen Kumar allegedly informed him that two months’ rent and repair expenses would be deducted from the Rs 20,000 security deposit.
The accused allegedly objected to the proposed deductions, demanded a full refund and visited the shop on October 23, where he reportedly threatened the owner.
According to the complaint, the accused returned to the shop at around 3:30 p.m. on October 28 and argued with Naveen Kumar over the deposit. He allegedly went outside, retrieved a bottle containing a liquid and a sword from his scooter, and threw the liquid at the complainant, claiming it was acid. He then allegedly threatened to kill Naveen Kumar and attempted to attack him with the sword.
Naveen Kumar reportedly sustained burn injuries to his arms, waist, abdomen, foot and face. He was subsequently admitted to KMC Hospital for treatment.
Udupi City Police have registered a case under Crime No. 147/2026, invoking Sections 124(1) and 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A special team led by Udupi City Police Inspector Mahesh Prasad apprehended the accused near the MGM grounds in Shivalli village within hours of the incident. The police also seized the scooter and sword. The accused was subsequently produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
