Udupi, August 13, 2025: A shocking murder took place in Puttur village, Subramanya Nagar, 9th Cross Road, Udupi taluk, on the night of August 12, 2025, at approximately 11:30 PM, when three individuals allegedly broke into a man’s home and killed him over a viral WhatsApp audio.
The victim, identified as Vinay Devadiga, a 40-year-old painter and local resident, was attacked in his residence. According to police reports, Vinay had returned home around 6 PM after attending to personal work in Udupi and was resting in his room. The accused, identified as Ajit (28) and Akshendra (34) from Gandhinagar, Brahmavar, and Pradeep Acharya from Benagal, Brahmavar, forcibly entered the house and searched for Vinay. The trio attempted to seize Vinay’s mobile phone, and when he resisted, Ajit restrained him while Akshendra and Pradeep attacked him with a machete and knife, resulting in his death. The perpetrators then fled the scene on a scooter.
Preliminary investigations suggest the motive was linked to a WhatsApp audio clip, in which Akshendra was insulted by an individual named Jeevan. Vinay had reportedly shared this audio, causing it to go viral, which allegedly provoked the accused to commit the crime.
The Udupi Town Police have arrested the three suspects and are conducting further investigations. A case has been registered at the Udupi Town Police Station.