Belthangady: Man sets fire to shop banner over payment dispute; arrested

Belthangady: Man sets fire to shop banner over payment dispute; arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, July 11, 2025: In a shocking incident reported from Guruvayanakere in Kuvettu village during the early hours of Wednesday, a man allegedly set fire to an advertising flex banner displayed outside a shop after being asked to repay dues for previously purchased goods. The accused has been arrested by the Belthangady police.

The arrested has been identified as Umesh Bangera (29), a resident of Katte in Balanje village.

The banner, displayed outside a store named G.K. Store owned by Sadakathulla in Guruvayanakere, was found burned on the morning of July 10. When the shop owner arrived in the morning, he discovered the banner damaged and later reviewed CCTV footage, which showed Umesh Bangera setting fire to it around 5 a.m. before fleeing the scene. The estimated loss is said to be around ₹3,000.

Following a complaint lodged by Sadakathulla at the Belthangady police station, the police tracked down and detained the accused for questioning.

According to the investigation, Umesh previously ran a hotel business and had an outstanding due of ₹38,000 at Sadakathulla’s store for groceries he had purchased. On July 9, when Sadakathulla demanded the payment, Umesh reportedly got angry and carried out the act of arson in retaliation.