Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Mar 22: "We do not need an SP who lacks humanity," said former minister Pramod Madhwaraj during a protest staged by Malpe fishermen against the arrest of fisherwomen over an assault incident at Malpe Port on March 22.

Madhwaraj further stated, "Malpe Port is the livelihood for the people in and around Malpe. The fisherwomen are the backbone of the fisheries industry. Other than myself, all in-charge ministers are from outside the district. Such things happen because they do not understand Malpe. The Chief Minister expressed distress over the incident but was not concerned about his own district’s police station deteriorating.

The victim herself has stated that she harbors no hatred for anyone, so why is the police worried? They failed to curb drug-related crimes in the district. If thieves break into your house, what would you do? Would you honor them? We don’t need an SP who causes problems and arrests poor women. The SP has suspended 62 police constables. As long as this government keeps the current SP in position, it will be seen as anti-fishermen. The police should have prevented the thefts at Malpe Port."

Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat stated, "What the government and police did after the incident came to light is unacceptable. Everyone reacts similarly when pickpocketing or theft occurs. The case was resolved at the police station, but later allegations of atrocities were made. The fisherwomen did this to identify who took the stolen fish. There was no caste insult involved.
If there had been, only then could the department file such a case. The fisherwoman didn’t even know she was Dalit. A case can only be filed for beating and tying the victim to a tree. The police department should clarify that no caste insult occurred and withdraw some sections so the accused can be released by Monday. This protest should have been held outside the police station. The people who posted the video are at fault. If we don’t stand up against this, they will continue such actions. All issues related to Malpe should be communicated to the local association. It seems the police department is acting like the ‘Tughlaq rule.’ Why were the constables suspended? It was only because they beat police at the port. Suspend the SP, not the constables. If the fisherwomen are not released, we will protest at the SP’s office."

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, in his presidential address, stated, "I am an MLA because of the fishermen. I am deeply indebted to them, so they must receive justice. The atrocity charges in the FIR should be withdrawn. We are also aware of the law. By March 25, they must amend the charges and release the accused. If not, I will take action. Whether ministers or legislators step forward, I will respond appropriately. The fisheries department must be held accountable for its failure. Those who posted the video on social media are the main cause of this issue. We will work to provide justice and honor to the fishermen, not just as an MLA, but as someone committed to ensuring justice for them."

Dayanand Suvarna, president of the Fishermen Association Malpe, said, "At Malpe Port, we have always worked as one family, regardless of caste or creed. We’ve resolved problems without conflict. Theft was common here, but despite reaching out to the department, no solution was found. As a result, we decided to hand over control of the port to the associations. While we do not condone the assault, it occurred out of anger. We were informed of the incident in the evening, and after learning the details, we informed the police, brought both parties together, and resolved the matter amicably. However, the next day, a boat owner, not involved in the case, was called to the police station, and an FIR was filed. We felt helpless. Legal action was taken only after the issue was shown on TV, without fully understanding the facts, and a non-bailable case was filed. The incident was portrayed negatively on social media in relation to Malpe Port. The fishing community has been very supportive of the victims. In the past, police officials were not allowed at the port. It would have been better if the police had properly assessed the situation before filing the case."

Jaya C Kotian, president of the DK Mogavoor Mahajan Association, added, "The government and police department must release the accused arrested in the assault case. We have always lived here like a family, and we condemn this act. In the future, the police department should inform the associations here before taking any action on such matters."

The protesters, including MLA Yashpal Suvarna, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat, former minister Pramod Madhwaraj, leader Prasad Raj Kanchan, and others, submitted a memorandum to additional district commissioner Abid Gadyal, ASP Siddalingappa, and ASP Dinakar.

The memorandum contained the following demands:

• The government should intervene and release the arrested fishermen.
• The police should arrest the victims who were protected by the police.
• If any theft occurred at the port, it should be filed as an FIR and not as a petty case.
• The police department should not interfere with Malpe Port.
• Two police head constables should be suspended.
• Any issues related to the port should be communicated to the local association.

Dananjay Kanchan rendered the prayer, and Jagannath Kadekar, general secretary of the Fishermen Association, welcomed the gathering.

Councillor and Udupi Taluk Guarantee Committee president Ramesh Kanchan, Congress leader Prasad Raj Kanchan, and fishermen leaders Subhash Mendon, Nagaraj Suvarna, Dayakar Suvarna, Sadu Salian, Mohan Kundar, Raviraj Suvarna, Baby H Salian, Geetha Karkera, Dinesh Suvarna, Rathnakar Salian, Raghav Karkera, and others were present during the protest.