Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri

Moodbidri, Jun 27: Samith Raj Dharegudde, district co-convener of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike, was arrested by Moodbidri police on Thursday for allegedly forcing a bus owner to pay unlawful compensation in connection with a road accident.

The incident dates back to November 11, 2024, when a private bus collided with a scooter near a private engineering college, resulting in injuries to two individuals, one of whom was seriously hurt. The accident led to public outrage, with students and locals blocking traffic in protest.

Amid the chaos, Samith Raj allegedly intervened and compelled the bus owner, Rafique, to pay Rs 5 lac as compensation to the injured parties. Rafique later filed a complaint with Moodbidri police, stating that the compensation was forcibly extracted and that legal action should be taken against Samith Raj for the unlawful act.

Following an investigation, police arrested Samith Raj and presented him before the court, which remanded him to judicial custody.