Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 18: The Mangaluru city police have filed a case against the joint secretary of the Dakshina Kannada District Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Sharan Pumpwell, and his associates, for allegedly indulging in communally divisive actvities near Sri Mangaladevi Temple on October 16.

Sharan Pumpwell, along with a group of followers, reportedly planted saffron flags on shops owned by members of the Hindu community situated in the vicinity of Sri Mangaladevi Temple. During this event, he made a press statement urging the Hindu community to exclusively patronize shops owned and operated by fellow Hindus for their essential needs. These actions and statements, the police assert, have the potential to incite religious enmity.

The case against Sharan Pumpwell and others was registered at the Mangaluru South Police Station based on a complaint filed by PSI (L&O) Mangaluru South Police Station, Manohar Prasad. The charges include causing communal disharmony and promoting divisive behavior on religious grounds.

The Mangaluru City Police have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that communal harmony is preserved and to take necessary actions as per the law.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police released this statement on October 18, 2023, emphasizing the police department's commitment to maintaining peace and security within the city.