Siddapur Violence After Complaint Over Alleged Affair Leaves One Dead
One person died and two others were seriously injured after a violent confrontation in Averaguppa village, Siddapur taluk of Uttara Kannada district. Police said the clash followed a complaint filed at a local police station regarding an alleged illicit relationship involving a woman and a local astrologer.
Seven people, including the astrologer, have been detained by police. The incident has drawn attention to how personal disputes, when mixed with allegations and retaliation, can escalate into criminal violence and widen family and community conflict.
- Date: 2 February 2026
- Place: Averaguppa village, Siddapur taluk, Uttara Kannada
- Deceased: Vasanth Naik
- Injured: Mahesh Naik and Kumar
- Detained: Seven persons, including astrologer Kamalakar Bhat
- Case registered at: Siddapur Police Station
Siddapur Police confirmed that a complaint had been filed by Mahesh Naik alleging an illicit relationship between his wife Suchitra and astrologer Kamalakar Bhat.
Police said a confrontation later took place in the village, during which a group allegedly attacked Mahesh Naik and his relatives.
Senior officers visited the spot, secured evidence, and detained seven suspects while the investigation continues.
Under Indian criminal law, personal disputes do not justify violence. If a complaint is filed, the matter must be addressed through investigation or courts, not retaliation.
Legal experts note that group attacks can attract charges such as murder, attempt to murder, and criminal conspiracy, which carry severe penalties.
Detention at this stage does not equal guilt; police must collect evidence, record statements, and present a charge sheet if sufficient material exists.
Incidents like this highlight the risks of social stigma, family conflict, and escalation after allegations of misconduct.
They also underline the role of timely police action and the need for non-violent dispute resolution mechanisms in rural areas.
What Happened, Step by Step
According to police, Suchitra, a resident of Siddapur, was alleged to have had a relationship with Kamalakar Bhat, an astrologer originally from Hemmanbail village but based in Shivamogga.
Suchitra’s daughter reportedly informed her father, Mahesh Naik, about the alleged relationship. Mahesh then approached Siddapur Police Station and lodged a complaint.
Police said that after the complaint, tensions rose between the families involved. A confrontation later occurred in Averaguppa village.
During the clash, Mahesh Naik, Vasanth Naik, and Kumar were injured. Vasanth Naik later died while being taken to hospital.
Mahesh Naik and Kumar are undergoing treatment at a local medical facility, according to police.
Police said they detained seven people while they were allegedly trying to leave the area — three in Shivamogga and four in Siddapur.
Among those named in the case are Suchitra (A1), her father Lokanath Choudappa Naik (A2), unidentified persons (A3), and Kamalakar Bhat (A4).
The investigation is ongoing, and police are recording statements from witnesses and collecting forensic material.
What Is Confirmed vs. What Is Not Yet Proven
Officially confirmed: One death occurred, two people were injured, seven persons were detained, and a case has been registered at Siddapur Police Station.
Not yet proven: The exact roles of each accused, the motive beyond the complaint, and the sequence of physical actions during the clash are still under police investigation.
Disclosure
This report is based on information from police statements and verified news reports available as of 3 February 2026. Details may evolve as the investigation progresses and further evidence emerges.
Expert / Legal Clarification
A criminal law expert explained that allegations of immoral conduct, even if serious, must be addressed through legal channels. Vigilante action or group retaliation can itself become a grave crime.
Courts examine evidence such as witness testimony, medical reports, and forensic findings before determining guilt. Mere detention does not amount to conviction.
FAQs
1. Where did the incident occur?
In Averaguppa village, Siddapur taluk, Uttara Kannada district.
2. How many people were detained?
Seven people were detained by police.
3. What triggered the clash?
Police say it followed a complaint about an alleged illicit relationship.
4. What charges are likely?
Police are examining offences including murder, attempt to murder, and criminal conspiracy.
