Udupi: Tenant accused of throwing acid at landlord, attacking him with machete over deposit dispute

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, October 29, 2026: Udupi City police have registered a case against a tenant for allegedly throwing acid at his landlord and attempting to attack him with a machete following a dispute over the refund of a house rental deposit.

According to the complaint, Naveen Kumar, 58, a resident of Shivalli village in Udupi, owns a shop on Railway Station Road near Kalkura Building. The accused, Suresh Acharya, had been renting the first floor of Naveen’s house in Vishnumurthy Nagar and recently vacated the premises after paying an advance deposit of ₹20,000.

After inspecting the house, Naveen allegedly found damage to the walls and taps. He informed Suresh that two months’ rent and the repair expenses would be deducted from the deposit. However, Suresh allegedly insisted on receiving the entire amount and threatened Naveen over the issue. He reportedly visited Naveen’s shop on October 23 and threatened him.

On October 28, at around 3.30 pm, Suresh allegedly arrived at Naveen’s shop near Kalkura Building on Railway Station Road and started arguing with him over the deposit. He then reportedly took a bottle containing acid and a large machete from his scooter, threatening to kill Naveen by throwing acid on him and attacking him with the weapon.

According to the complaint, Suresh allegedly threw acid at Naveen with the intention of killing him and subsequently attempted to assault him with the machete. Naveen managed to take cover and escape the attack. However, he sustained acid burns on his right hand, waist, abdomen, feet, face and left hand.

Based on Naveen’s complaint, Udupi City police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.