Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Oct 15: Tension prevailed at Kandlur here after a group of 20-25 people of one community allegedly assaulted Dalit men belonging to a right-wing outfit here late night on Wednesday October 15. The incident took place at a road leading to Kashi pond.
Manjunath (34), a resident of Balkur and Vijay Kumar (32) were seriously injured in the attack and admitted to a hospital in Kundapur.
The incident took place when the men were returning after erecting banners and buntings as part of the preparations for the 50th Sharadotsava celebrations in Kandlur and having dinner at a friend's house.
A case was filed against five people and three of them have been arrested while two are absconding. They are Kandlur residents Shahid Ali (28), Mohammed Nadeem (19) and Mohammed Subhan (25). Police have slapped a case of caste abuse and charges under section 307 on them. Shahid Ali is said to be a businessman and Nadeem is running a fast food restaurant at Sagar. The motive behind the assault is not known.
MP Shobha condemns assault
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje visited the injured at the hospital on Thursday October 15.
Speaking to reporters, she said that assaults on people belonging to pro-Hindu organizations are occurring repeatedly. "The government has failed to stop such incidents. The assault on innocent youths is condemnable. The police should arrest all the accused immediately and make sure that such incidents do not recur," she said.
Kundapur tahsildar Gayatri Nayak also paid a visit to the injured on behalf of the taluk administration. She was accompanied by officials of the department of social welfare.
VHP condemns
Udupi district Vishwa Hindu Parishat president Srusad Shetty Baikady also condemned the assault on the Dalit youths, urged for early arrest of the culprits and warned of protests all over the district if they were not arrested. Thilakraj from Balkur Dalit Shreyobhivridhi committee also condemned the assault.
Tight security in Kandlur
A tense atmosphere prevailed in Kandlur following the assault. Kundapur DySP Manjunath Shetty, circle inspector Diwaker, Gangolli PSI Subbanna and Byndoor circle inspector visited the place. Tight security has been deployed in Kandlur and hotels, bars and restaurants have been asked to close by 7 pm.
A case has been registered in Kundapur police station.