Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Aug 18: In a bizarre incident, a youth was badly assaulted for changing the name of a WhatsApp group he was part of. The incident was reported at Balkur here on Friday August 18.

On Independence Day on August 15, Balkur resident Praveen (22) changed the name of the WhatsApp group 'Brilliant Boys', of which he was a member, to 'Bharatanmbeya Makkalu' (children of mother India) to make the special day.

But Praveen's display of patriotic fervour in changing the group's name did not go down well with some of its members. A member named Rajesh (30) allegedly raised objections and questioned Praveen in the group discussions that followed, and Praveen was taken to task.

It did not end there. Three days after the incident, Rajesh, a driver by profession, happened to see Praveen at Chonagudde in Balkur on August 18, while he was on the way home. Rajesh parked his vehicle at home, and came by bike to Chonagudde to confront Praveen and demanded to know why he had changed the name of the WhatsApp group. Heated arguments ensued between the two, culminating in Rajesh allegedly assaulting Praveen with bats.

Praveen who sustained injuries to his face and limbs was taken to Kundapur government hospital. He was later admitted to Wenlock hospital in Mangaluru for advanced treatment.

Rajesh went absconding soon after the incident and police have begun a hunt for him.

A case has been registered in Kundapur rural police station.

It is said that Rajesh has quarrelled earlier too over flimsy reasons and assaulted some people. Locals urged the police to take for suitable action against him.