Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RJP)
Udupi, Sep 14: 13 people, out of 15 attacked in Tamil Nadu, have safely returned home on Wednesday, September 14. The video of the attack which went viral has been blamed as a main reason for violence in Karnataka which took place this week.
Attack in Tamil Nadu
They reached Udupi by train. Other remaining two will reach soon as they have to come with the vehicle. Tamil Nadu police have promised them that their vehicle will be escorted till Karnataka border.
Case history
Agitation over release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu had caught on everywhere. The main reason for this was the attack on Karnataka registered vehicles in Tamil Nadu. The video of the Kundapur origin vehicle driver Manjunatha Kulal that went viral on the internet provoked many Kannadigas.
The 38-year-old Manjunatha Kulal had been on a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram and other temples in Tamil Nadu with 14 others including his parents and neighbours, by a Tempo Traveler belonging to his friend Arsi Korval of Koni.
They went there on September 9 and were planning a return after a week's stay at the pilgrimage. The group that went to Rameshwaram on Sunday via Kanyakumari and Trivandrum considered going to Madurai on Monday, but that did not happen.
Some members belonging to Tamil origin, the Naam Thamilar Iyakkam group, attacked vehicles having Karnataka number plates, as well as the occupants on a whim. They also circulated the video over the internet.
Manjunath sustained an ear injury in the assault. There was use of sticks and bare-arms in the said attack.
After the incident, Manjunath complained to Tamil Nadu police and was placed in police protection. Manjunatha, his parents and others in the group stayed in a lodge.
“A Tamil group consisting of 10 to 12 people holding sticks hit the vehicles with Karnataka number plates at about seven in the morning on Monday. They damaged vehicles, wind shields and head lights with sticks. His friend, the Tempo Traveler owner is providing moral support.” Manjunatha had said this over phone tour correspondent which he was still stranded in Tamil Nadu.
“Those who damaged the vehicle and assaulted me ordered me to say that Cauvery belongs to Tamil Nadu. However I refused to say that,” Manjunatha had made this statement with proud.
13 people who returned now said that they were looked after well in the lodge they stayed after the attack. Manjunath Kulal and Arpi Kulal are expected to reach Gangolli by Thursday evening.