Udupi, January 24, 2025: A Yakshagana artiste was locked up in a house and assaulted by some people allegedly over a financial dispute. A complaint has been registered in Padubidri police station.
The victim is Nitin Acharya (31) of Padubidri Nadsalu village. Nitin is an artiste of the Sasihitlu Sri Bhagavathi Yakshagana Mela. He reportedly had availed loan from Sachin, a friend of his who is an artiste in Pavanje Mela. Sachin was repaying the loan instalments including interest.
However Sachin who accused Nitin of not repaying loan on time, took him to his house at Udyavar on January 21 and locked him up. There Sachin, his father Kushal and another person reportedly assaulted Nitin with sticks and even kicked him and made him forcibly sign bond paper.
Nitin despite his injuries had participated in the Yakshagana show held at Puttur the same night but got himself admitted to a private hospital in Padubidri the next day after the pain became unbearable. A complaint was later lodged.