Puttur: Xerox shop dispute over burnt document leads to assault, counter cases filed

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, Aug 22, 2026: A dispute between customers and a shop owner over a document that was accidentally damaged while being laminated escalated into a physical altercation at Darbe in Puttur on the afternoon of August 21.

According to police, Mubaashir, Fathima and Mubaashir, residents of Mandekolu in Sullia, had visited “Dream Destination Digital Seva Kendra” in Darbe, owned by Anjana Pai, to get some documents photocopied and laminated. During the process, one of the documents was damaged due to a technical fault.

A heated argument subsequently broke out between the customers and Anjana Pai and her son Sudarshan Pai, which allegedly led to both sides assaulting each other.

As a crowd gathered at the spot, personnel from Puttur Town Police Station reached the scene and brought the situation under control. Police instructed both parties to go to the station and file complaints.

However, when police were taking Sudarshan Pai to the station for questioning, some people at the scene allegedly obstructed the police from carrying out their duties.

Police have registered complaints and counter-complaints from both sides in connection with the incident. A separate case is also being registered against those who allegedly obstructed police personnel in the discharge of their duties.

Police said CCTV footage from the shop will be examined and further strict legal action will be taken based on the findings. The police department has also warned that strict legal action will be initiated against anyone spreading false rumours about the incident on social media.