Hindu organisations seek arrest of group that assaulted copying centre owners in Puttur

Amid heavy police presence, a large number of people took part in the ‘Puttur Chalo Rally’ organised on August 31 demanding the arrest of persons who allegedly attacked owners of a copying centre in Puttur on August 21. The rally was jointly organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV)

Addressing the participants in front of Venkataramana temple, HJV member Shrikant Shetty Karkala said the protest is to express our anguish over ‘inaction of the police against a group that assaulted copying centre owner Sudharshan Pai and others in the presence of police on August 21. While the complaint accusing owners of assault filed by the customers was registered for offence of attempt to murder, no serious charges were invoked against those who assaulted Sudharshan Pai, and his relatives Akshata Pai and Sadashiva Pai’.

Accusing police of not being fair in application of law, Mr. Shetty said, “Before the situation turns serious, police should take effective action against the assaulters.” He accused the government of Karnataka of using police to rein in Hindu activists, and referred to recent criticism by Karnataka High Court of police actions.

The rally started around 11 a.m. It was led by Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya. A senior VHP activist of Puttur flagged off the rally. Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik, Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty and MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur took part in the event. Former Puttur MLA Sanjeev Matandoor, whose Facebook page was booked by the police for the post related to the call for ‘Puttur bandh’, district BJP President Satish Kumpala, VHP Dakshina Kannada Pranta Joint Secretary Sharan Pumpwell, and former Sullia MLA S. Angara, also took part in the rally, which culminated in front of the temple around 12.30 p.m. where a protest meet was held.