Land row turns violent, youth shot as guards open fire

Dharwad: A land dispute near the IIIT campus on the outskirts of Dharwad turned violent on Tuesday when bodyguards of a real estate businessperson allegedly opened fire, injuring a youth in the leg.

The incident occurred over a three-acre parcel of land belonging to a Hubballi-based real estate businessperson. According to police sources, the businessperson arrived with supporters at the site on Tuesday to begin layout development when neighbouring landholders objected. An argument reportedly broke out between the two groups, with residents insisting that the land be officially surveyed before any development work was taken up. However, supporters of the businessperson argued that a court had already delivered a judgment in their favour and that there was no need for a fresh survey.

As the confrontation intensified, the bodyguards accompanying the businessperson allegedly fired eight rounds—seven into the air and one towards the ground—in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

During the firing, a bullet struck the leg of Vitthal Walikar, 24, a local resident, causing minor injuries. He was shifted to a private hospital for treatment.

Vidyagiri police registered a case and took up investigation. Police commissioner N Shashi Kumar visited the spot and gathered information about the incident.