Vijayapura: A father of a missing girl here in Vijayapura village assaulted a Dalit man on the suspicion that his daughter had eloped with the latter’s son.

The victim, 50-year-old Mareppa Harijan, a Dalit from Haligondakanal village of Sindgi taluk was tied to a tree and assaulted by Mehboobsab, the girl’s father along with his family members. Mareppa’s second son Ramesh rushed to his father’s aid, but he too was allegedly beaten up by the group.

It is gathered that Mareppa’s son Ningappa, had left home about a month ago, while Mebhoobsab’s daughter went missing a fortnight ago giving rise to suspicion that she may have eloped with him

Mareppa has been admitted to the district government hospital here for treatment.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested one person in connection with the assault.