Restaurant owner seriously assaulted over sunbed fee dispute in Gemikonağı

Gemikonağı, 22 July 2025 — A dispute over a sunbed fee at a beachside restaurant in Gemikonağı escalated into a violent assault, leaving the 72-year-old restaurant owner seriously injured.

According to a police press release, the incident occurred on July 20 at a beach restaurant in the coastal town. The confrontation began when B.D., a 49-year-old man, was asked to pay a fee for using a sunbed. The request reportedly triggered a heated argument between B.D. and the restaurant operator, identified as S.O.

During the altercation, B.D. allegedly punched S.O. in the chest, causing the elderly man to fall to the ground. As a result of the fall, S.O. sustained serious injuries, including broken ribs.

Police have arrested the suspect, B.D., and confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Authorities have not released further details, but the case has raised concerns about safety and conflict management in public recreational areas during the busy summer season.