Udupi: MLA Sunil Kumar opposes sculptor arrest, accuses Cong govt of hindering Karkala tourism


Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Nov 12: Karkala MLA and former minister Sunil Kumar accused the Congress of sabotaging the region's tourism industry, alleging delays in the release of sanctioned funds. Addressing accusations made by Congress leader Udaykumar Shetty, Kumar stated, "Despite the government approving Rs 4.50 crore for the theme park, the funds have not been released. Frustrated by defeat, Congress leaders are spreading false accusations."

Speaking at a press conference in Udupi, Sunil Kumar clarified, "The sculptor had obtained permission to modify the design and move the statue. Investigations before the handover of government projects have now become a trend in Udupi. The Nirmithi Kendra did not complete the theme park work, and I am ready for any investigation, including quality checks. I urge the government to reopen the tourist spot soon and take action against those spreading falsehoods. Initial claims that the idol was made of fiber have been proven false by the High Court."

Kumar further criticized the district police, questioning, "Which department reported substandard quality? An FIR was filed on a private complaint by a Congress leader without a formal report. If private complaints can lead to FIRs, then thousands could be registered for Udaykumar Shetty’s projects. The defeated candidate approached the Mahjars, and these issues require answers. I demand that the government release the pending funds. No action has been taken against those obstructing the theme park's entry. The gram panchayat president's complaint has not even been registered."

He added, "The redesign was approved by the DC. If the sculptor removed the statue with permission, how can it be called theft? The tehsildar had requested police security for the removal. The same authorities who permitted the statue’s removal are now investigating it."

Targeting Udaykumar Shetty, Kumar said, "Did ‘Fiber Udaykumar’ show any concern for the artist? You have your own government; conduct a thorough investigation. The project has been stalled for a year, causing losses to both tourism and the government. The police have prepared questions in the Congress office. The artist was detained for seven days — what has been achieved in a year of investigation? The people of Karkala have made their decision on who should go to Vidhana Soudha and who should stay home. The Congress's actions have disrupted tourism and economic growth in Karkala."

Kumar called Shetty an "opportunist contractor" and accused him of hindering development. "If a private complaint were filed regarding Udaykumar’s projects, hundreds of FIRs could be lodged. Those investigating must also be held accountable for their false claims," he said.

He added, “Public activities can be carried out in Gomala land. Many projects were inaugurated before completion. This project has funding from multiple departments. Those making baseless accusations don’t understand what a theme park entails. The idol’s spare parts were inspected by police — suspend the officer involved. Why should I apologize? Let the accusers do so. No additional funds were requested for the redesign. I will expose Udaykumar’s questionable projects.”

Prominent attendees at the press meet included Sumit Shetty Bailur, former zilla panchayat member; Malini J Shetty, former taluk panchayat president; Sunil Hegde, president of Yarlapadi Gram Panchayat; Sujata Poojary, president of Bailur Gram Panchayat; Satchidananda Prabhu, president of Neere Gram Panchayat; Satchidananda Shetty, president of the Parasurama Theme Park Horata Committee; Santhosh, vice president of Bailur Gram Panchayat; Gururaj Mada of Yuva Morcha Udupi District; and Rakesh Shetty, president of Kukkundur Karkala Mandal Yuva Morcha.

 

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • uday Shetty, Mysore

    Thu, Nov 14 2024

    ethe imbena poora pithale pidayi boorundu

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • suresh, Karkala

    Thu, Nov 14 2024

    All is ok, but the great Karkala MLA is not answering, why he & the state CM inaugurated without completing the work????

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Elwyn Goveas, Mangalore

    Thu, Nov 14 2024

    A big fish.

    DisAgree Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • G R PRABHUJI, Mangalore

    Thu, Nov 14 2024

    Don't be in a hurry, more arrest will be there in future regarding 420 work from MLA.

    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakesh, Udupi

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    Promoting tourism should be learn from BJP, RSS, and BD , they are masters on this. God save our undivided DK.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • S g kankanady, Mangalore

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    Bunch of crooks... Congratulations to those that elect them

    DisAgree [1] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • FAYAZ AHMED, MANGALORE/DUBAI

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    from the day one when it was come to notice as the sculpture was of sub standard material, who ever was involved in it the govt should have booked all of them & should have inquired in detail. Put this kumar inside & all the detailes will come out one by one

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Babu Shenoy, Mangalore

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    Sunil Kumar will naturally oppose the arrest of the sculptor, because when he is arrested he will all the fraudulant activities of the MLA. I am sure that Sunil Kumar must have planned his hiding in Kerala. Now that he has been apprehended by Karnataka police, he is sure to spill the beans. Bad luck, Sunil Kumar MLA!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Raheja Waterfront

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    Because of Honesty people come to Karnataka ...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gau thammaA, kinni mulki/udpi

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    What tourism..., people are disgusted by the previous 40% works., (people can visit at their own risk., ) Collapsing Bridges & Airports, Cracking Roads, Leaking Tunnels, Shri Ram Temple, New Parliament bldg etc., to name a few., (Cement jokes... apart)

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kiran Poojary, Mangaluru/Bengaluru

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    Sculptor was hiding in Kerala as per the news report. If it was true, my question is why did he hide himself? Honest people face investigation directly.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Denis Lasrado, Kankanady Mangaluru

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    My dear good and honest people do not fear for investigation but these corrupt people including MLAs and MPs and political party members are responsible

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Damodar Das, Kundapur

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    Chor Machaye Shor. Cheap and substandard poor quality of workmanship done by the sculptor for getting very low money is the biggest set back for tourism which has spoilt the image of Karnataka heritage. More than 40% has been swindled by this MLA. Now Karnataka govt wants do justice to Karnataka and put tourism on right track. This is how BJP preserves India’s culture, heritage and tradition in real sense and true deeds?!?!?!?!?…..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, INDIA

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    "The sculptor who made the Parashurama statue was a BJP man, and these people are involved in dishonesty. Now, Sunil Kumar and the BJP people are behaving like big saints."

    DisAgree [3] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anjappar, Murukaveri

    Wed, Nov 13 2024

    ಒರಾ ತೂಲೆಗೆ ಇತ್ತೇ ಮೆರ್ ,ಪಿತ್ತಾಳೆ - ಬ್ರೊನ್ಜ್ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಪಣ್ಣುದು ಮೆರ್ ರಬ್ಬರದ ಮೂರ್ತಿಮಾಲ್ತೆರ್ ಇತ್ತೇ ಪಿರ ಪಾತೆರುಂಡು ಉಲ್ಲೆರ್ - ಕಾಸ್ ಓಲು ಪೂಂಡೆ ಪಿತ್ತಾಳೆದ ಮೂರ್ತಿದ?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Udupi: MLA Sunil Kumar opposes sculptor arrest, accuses Cong govt of hindering Karkala tourism



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