Puri: A tourist couple from Mysuru was allegedly assaulted inside a restaurant near Swargadwar in Puri on Wednesday evening following a disagreement over a food bill, prompting police to register cases and launch an investigation.

According to Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, the incident occurred after the couple complained to the restaurant management about finding a hair in their food. The restaurant subsequently served them a fresh dish.

The couple later questioned why they were being charged for the food item that they had rejected after finding the hair. The issue reportedly led to an argument with the restaurant manager, following which the situation escalated.

The tourist couple has alleged that they were assaulted inside the restaurant after they refused to pay the amount charged for the discarded food item.

Bharat Chandra, one of the tourists, alleged that when his wife objected to the restaurant management's behaviour, she was attacked with a plate. He further alleged that the restaurant's shutter was closed and members of their group were assaulted inside the premises.

His wife, Susmita, who said she is pregnant, alleged that she suffered injuries to her face and hand, while her husband sustained an injury to his ear during the incident.

The couple said they had travelled from Mysuru to Puri along with other members of their group for darshan of Lord Jagannath.

"We had come here from Mysuru to have darshan of Lord Jagannath," Susmita said, alleging that the group was assaulted after questioning the bill. She also expressed concern over the safety of women and said the experience had left the family reluctant to visit Puri again.

Police personnel from Sea Beach Police Station reached the restaurant after being alerted about the incident and took the injured persons to hospital for treatment.

Police probe underway

The SP said complaints have been lodged by both sides and police have registered cases. Investigators have seized CCTV footage from the restaurant and are examining it to establish exactly what happened and determine the roles of those involved.

SP Prateek Singh said communication difficulties between the tourists and restaurant staff, including difficulties in communicating in Hindi, contributed to the escalation of the situation.

Police are questioning those involved and examining the CCTV footage and other evidence. The SP said appropriate action would be taken after the investigation.