Sunil Haleangady
With Additional Pics by Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Updated
Mangaluru, Feb 2: Activists of Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV) led by its leader Satyajit Suratkal and other right-wing outfits on Tuesday February 2 evening gathered in front of Suratkal police station and demanded the release of a person arrested in connection to the alleged assault incident at Janata Colony. They also alleged that the local MLA had 'influenced' the police in 'turning' the case against the assaulted persons.
As per a complaint, a gang of 30-40 persons had allegedly attacked five persons of Janatha Colony in Suratkal, and the injured were admitted to hospital. However, differences in the accounts of the incident by the five led to suspicions about the authenticity of their claims. It was later learnt that the police had filed cases against 7 persons including those injured and admitted to hospital.
The protestors claimed that the local MLA had influenced the police to fix the injured victims of the alleged assault. The police arrested one of the accused, identified as Jeevan, after which the activists of right-wing outfits gheraoed the police station and demanded his release.
The protestors also demanded that besides releasing Jeevan, the police should also withdraw the cases filed against the seven. They shouted slogans against the MLA and police personnel.
As the the situation threatened to turn tense, ACP Madan Gaonkar assured the protestors that Jeevan would be released on Wednesday February 3 and also promised that he would speak to the higher officials about withdrawing the cases.
Convinced by the assurances, the protestors finally dispersed.
Earlier Update
Mangaluru: Complaint of assault at Janata Colony - Differing claims create suspicion
Sunil Haleangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Updated
Mangaluru, Feb 2: Based on complaint lodged on Monday night, a case had been registered in Suratkal police station as per which, a gang of about 30 to 40 people had allegedly attacked a few residents of Janata Colony in Suratkal before fleeing.
The names of persons injured in the incidents have been given as Madhava Poojary (36), Madhu (29), Anil (40), Shiva Ganiga (24), Chandrakant (20), and Janaki (50), it is learnt. The victims said that they were sitting in front of their houses and were chatting among themselves when the said gang attacked them with knives and swords without any provocation, before making good their escape.
Some of those who were attacked said that they were picked for this treatment because of the fact that local Hindus had raised objections about construction of a mosque at Janata Colony without necessary permission. However, Madhava Poojary, one of the victims, claimed that the locals earned the ire of Muslim youngsters because they were advised against using ganja.
It is said that on Saturday, fight had erupted over the issue of a goat owned by a local named Christine Mascarenhas, after which complaint was filed, duly naming locals Ashraf, Akram, Asif and Tayyeb as accused. On this issue, attempt to strike truce through conciliatory dialogue had been organized in Suratkal police station on Sunday evening between Mascarenhas and the accused. A person who claimed himself to be the son of Mascarenhas said that this attack was an extended part of this episode.
Those who came under attack got admitted into Padmavati Hospital at Suratkal where they are being treated. City deputy police commissioner (law and order), Shantharaju, visited the hospital, and obtained statements from the attack victims.
While some claimed that the attack was the result of opposition to mosque construction, Madhava said it had its origin in ganja. There have also been allegations that it has its roots in the dispute over goat. These developments and accusations have made the general public to smell some sort of conspiracy and handiwork of unseen forces behind them.
Earlier Report
Mangaluru: Assault on family at Janata Colony in Suratkal, 5 injured
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Feb 2: A group of people assaulted the occupants of a house on Monday night of February 1 at Suratkal. As result 5 persons have been injured who were rushed to the hospital and admitted there.
Madhava Poojary (45), Anil (25), Shivaraja Ganiga (19), Madhu (20) and Janaki (50) are the persons injured and admitted to Padmavathi hospital in Suratkal.
As per details, a gang of nine people entered the house at Janata colony near Suratkal at around 9 pm and assaulted the occupants. The reason for the assault is not known. The identity of the attackers has not been established yet and no arrests have been made.
Suratkal police have registered the case and investigation is in progress. Police and K S R P personnel have been deployed in front and around the house to maintain peace in the locality.
More details awaited.