Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jan 6: Congress leader Muniyal Udayakumar Shetty has alleged that BJP MLA Sunil Kumar responsible for copper roofing theft, calling it a planned conspiracy.

Addressing the media in the press conference held on Tuesday, January 6, Muniyal Udaya Kumar Shetty stated that the auditorium at the Parashurama Theme Park contained valuables worth lacs of rupees. "If the thieves had genuinely intended to steal, they would have taken those items. Instead, they removed around 30 pieces of copper roofing sheets that were clearly visible from the road, without touching the valuable items inside," he said, alleging that it made the incident appear, at first glance, to be a theft that was deliberately orchestrated.

Uday Kumar Muniyal, further stated that Sunil Kumar was responsible not only for the earlier incident in which half of the idol of Parashurama was removed, but also for the recent theft of the copper roofing sheets from the Parashurama Theme Park. He demanded that the MLA accept responsibility for his actions and apologise to the public.

Reacting strongly to the allegations made by MLA Sunil Kumar in connection with the theft of valuable copper sheets used for the roofing of the Parashurama Theme Park, Uday Kumar Shetty said the MLA had no moral authority to visit the park.

Muniyal Udaya Kumar Shetty said it was unclear 'with what face' Sunil Kumar was visiting the theme park, alleging that the MLA himself had orchestrated the theft and was now visiting the site.

He accused Sunil Kumar of making repeated attempts to turn the theme park into a centre of controversy, but asserted that the deity they believed in would not allow the place to be converted into a disputed site.

Muniyal Udayakumar Shetty also accused Sunil Kumar of hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus not only in the country but across the world, calling it a grave injustice. He said Karkala is a highly sacred place and alleged that repeatedly engaging in such acts in a holy region and attempting to blame the Congress party was shameful.

He further claimed that the charge sheet already mentions offences such as destruction of evidence and breach of trust in connection with the earlier incident.

Stating that Muniyal Uday Kumar Shetty had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court after witnessing what he termed as the MLA’s “drama,” he said his intention was to ensure the revival of tourism at Umikal Hill in Bailoor and the reopening of the Parashurama Theme Park in a proper, traditional manner. However, he alleged that the MLA was obstructing these efforts.

He added that if the MLA truly wished to atone for his actions, he should at least ensure that the garbage at the site is cleared. Muniyal Udayakumar Shetty urged the MLA to uphold the dignity of the Parashurama Theme Park and cooperate in developing it into a tourism destination.

The press conference was attended by Congress leader Subodh Rao, Bhanu Bhaskar Poojary, Karakala Mahila Congress president; Pradeep Billady, convener Karkala Block Congress and others.