Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi

Udupi, Apr 23: The Udupi District Gold and Silver Worker’s Organization held a massive protest rally on Tuesday April 22 against Kaup circle inspector in relation to the Chethan case. The rally started from behind Swadeshi Heritage, Udupi.

Two weeks ago, a goldsmith named Chethan Acharya was cheated by two of his neighbours—Raviraj Devadiga and Prakash Devadiga. He resided at Bantakal, 92nd Heruru Village, Udupi, and hails from a poor family.

Balakrishna Acharya, president of the Organization, addressed the media and said Kaup police were pressurizing them for a bribe. He said that this is not the first such case and they have assaulted many poor people by filing fake cases. Referring to the case of Suresh Acharya , who was a gold thief, he said the police sought a bribe of 78 grams of gold despite his returning all the valuables.

“The same thing is being repeated in the matter of Chethan. Kaup police arrested him by filing seven cases against him. They are collecting money in such ways,” said Balakrishna.

Balakrishna condemned the ruthless behavior of Kaup police and said they do not have good manners either. Chethan’s mother Sumathi Acharya cried and shared her grievances with the media.

He further said that the SP must take appropriate action against the culprits else they will go on a state-level protest regarding this issue.

Finally, they demanded that Chethan be released by withdrawing the case against him
within two or three days. The goldsmiths collectively submitted an appeal to the additional SP.

After an half hour discussion with Raghupathi Bhut, former MLA, the police authorities promised that they would discuss the matter with higher officers and Kaup authorities. They also said that they will take proper action against the accused person.

Yogish Acharya, president and owner of Mangala Jewellery, Rathnakar Kurkal, and Vijay Kumar were all present.