Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Jan 24: A case has been registered at the Padubidri police station after a Yakshagana artiste was physically assaulted by three individuals over an alleged failure to repay a loan.

The victim, Nithin Kumar from Sasihitlu Mela, is a resident of Padubidri. The accused include Sachin Amin of Udyavara, his father Kushalanna, and another financier.

Both Sachin and Nithin are Yakshagana artistes and were reportedly friends. The dispute arose when Nithin allegedly failed to repay a loan taken from Sachin. On January 21, the accused – Sachin, who was previously associated with Pavanje Mela, along with his father and a financier – assaulted Nithin at a house in Udyavar.

The attack was carried out using a bar used in kambala events, causing injuries to Nithin’s back, head, and legs. It is alleged that they forced Nithin to sign a blank bond paper and assaulted him further by kicking and slapping him.

Later that evening, the accused reportedly sent Nithin back to Padubidri. Despite sustaining injuries, Nithin performed at a Yakshagana event in Puttur on the night of January 21. On January 22, he sought treatment at a private hospital in Padubidri and lodged a police complaint.

An investigation into the incident is underway.