Mumbai: Prominent Mangalorean Shankar Poojary Assaulted and Robbed

from Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD/MB)

Mumbai, Jul 25: A group of eleven youth assaulted Shankar Poojary, an active Congress party worker, special executive officer and social worker of Andheri (East) and robbed him of his jewellery and valuables on late Monday night.  A case has been registered at Andheri (East) police station in this regard.
 
According to the complaint, a group of 4–5 youth arrived in bikes and a Tata Sumo and waylaid Shankar Poojary and Melvin Pradeep John Kundar who were on their way home and snatched mobile handset, wallet, jewellery, a Citizen watch etc. 

When Poojary shouted for help, they let them go, but only after assaulting them severely. In his complaint, he has stated that he could identify one of them who was familiar to him. Based on the complaint, the police set a road blockade and check ('nakabandi') and arrested two youth but let them off by next morning, according to the complainant. Congress and women's organizations have protested against their quick release. But the police have filed an FIR under sec 323, 406 and 427.

The group of youth is reportedly known to be looting unwary customers walking out of restaurants late in the nights. As they did not find anyone else, Poojary was targeted, say sources.

However Pradeep John Kundar who was seriously injured in the assault is now recovering in the Cooper Hospital and is likely to be discharged soon. Head of the local women's organization Mariamma Shetty has urged the police to take stern action against the miscreants.

Shankar Poojary hails from Pelattur in Karkala taluk of Udupi district and has been also actively involved in several organizations like Network for Rights and Justice and Shri Krishna Vithal Foundation.