Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Feb 4: Vittal Malekudiya, who had earlier been arrested and kept in custody for long for his alleged association with naxals, filed nomination papers for the zilla panchayat (ZP) election from Dharmasthala seat. He filed his nomination papers here as a CPM candidate on Wednesday February 3.

Vittal, a postgraduate in journalism, has been involved with activities of an organization that is fighting for the rights of tribals. He had been arrested sometime back for his alleged links with naxals. He was released on bail, ;and trial of the case is continuing. Vittal had continued his study when in custody and after he was released, and completed his post graduation from Mangalore University. After completing internship in a publication, he had bagged employment. However, he has for the present, kept the appointment aside, and jumped into election fray.

As per a list released by CPM on Wednesday, Vittal Malekudiya will be its candidate from Dharmasthala, and Rohini Navura from layila ZP constituency. The other names contained in the list are taluk panchayat candidates from the party, Vedavati (Dharmasthala), Devaki (Kalanja), Mamata (Arasinamakki), Muhammed Anas (Kokkada), Vasant Nada (Neriya) and Chaniyappa Malekudiya (Mittabagilu).