Car ownership dispute leads to ruckus near temple; case registered

Udupi: A dispute over the ownership of a car led to public commotion near the Ayyappa Swamy Temple at Kumbhashi, following which Kundapur police registered a case on Saturday against those involved in disturbing public peace.According to a complaint filed by ASI Wilfred D'Souza of Kundapur police station, he and other police personnel were on rounds duty on May 9 when they noticed a group arguing loudly behind the steps of the Ayyappa Swamy Temple opposite the Vinayaka Temple in Kumbhashi village. Police said a car was parked at the spot, and the individuals were loudly claiming ownership of the vehicle. They added one woman sat in front of the car, shouting that she was the owner, while two others were involved in an argument. During inquiry, police identified the persons involved as Nithin S, his wife Vidya HP, and Nithin's mother, Sukanya, along with Prabhakar P. Police said Nithin and Vidya jointly purchased the car while living in Bengaluru by sharing its expenses. However, since the vehicle was registered in Vidya's name, a dispute arose over its ownership. Following a call from helpline number 112, the complainant reached the spot. Despite police advising both sides not to quarrel, they allegedly resumed shouting and again disturbed public peace around 2.30 pm. A case was registered at Kundapur police station under Section 194(2) of the BNS.