Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jun 20: The protest organized by the Mangaluru Mandala BJP against the state government's fuel price hike ended in a heated verbal altercation between police and BJP workers.

A verbal feud erupted when H N Balakrishna, the station house officer of Ullal police station, allegedly grabbed Murali Konaje, president of BJP Mangaluru Mandala Yuva Morcha, after he attempted to block traffic on the highway.

The BJP Mandala staged a road blockade on Thursday beneath the Thokkottu junction flyover to protest against the Congress government's increase in petrol and diesel prices. BJP leaders including Jayarama Shetty, Santhosh Rai Boliyar, K Ravindra Shetty Ulidottu, Dinesh Amtoor, Mahesh Jogi, Hemanth Shetty Deralakatte, and Dhanalaxmi Gatty addressed the protesters, condemning the fuel price hike.

Following the meeting, BJP activists attempted to block traffic on the highway. Station inspector Balakrishna, on duty at Ullal, intervened, citing orders from senior officials to take legal action against highway blockades. Murali Konaje allegedly rushed into the middle of the highway to obstruct traffic, prompting Balakrishna to grab his shirt collar and move him to the roadside. This altercation led to a heated exchange between BJP workers and the police.

Assistant commissioner of police Ravish Naik intervened, calming the situation by engaging in dialogue with senior BJP leaders. The BJP Yuva Morcha activists voiced concerns about the treatment of BJP workers during the incident.