A dispute over the increased price of gutkha following Budget 2026 turned violent in Rae Bareli district of Uttar Pradesh, where a woman was allegedly beaten by a shopkeeper after she asked for the product at the old rate. The incident has led to the detention of four people by the police.

The incident occurred on Monday night in Devanandpur village under the Mill Area police station limits. According to reports, the woman had gone to a local shop to purchase gutkha when the shopkeeper quoted a higher price in line with the post-budget rate hike on tobacco products. The woman objected and asked the shopkeeper to sell the stock at the old price, triggering an argument.

Eyewitnesses said the situation quickly escalated, with the shopkeeper losing his temper and allegedly attacking the woman with sticks. When locals attempted to intervene, they too were assaulted. Several people, including the woman, sustained injuries, creating panic in the area.

Police from the Mill Area police station reached the spot after receiving information and managed to bring the situation under control. Four individuals were detained from the scene and are currently being questioned. The injured were taken to a nearby health centre for medical treatment.

Speaking about the incident, the victim said the shopkeeper demanded ₹12 for the packet. “I told him the price used to be lower and asked why he was charging so much. He first abused me and then started beating me. He also attacked those who tried to help,” she alleged.

Police officials said a case will be registered under relevant sections once a formal complaint is received from the victim. Further investigation into the matter is underway.