Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Mar 24: The Banjara community leaders have demanded the immediate arrest of former minister Pramod Madhwaraj for justifying an assault incident that took place in Malpe. Addressing a press conference in Udupi, Girish D R, the state president of the Karnataka State Banjara Youth and Student Association strongly condemned the inhumane attack on a scheduled caste woman, who was accused of stealing fish.

Terming the act as shameful and a disgrace to civil society, the he expressed anguish over the incident, stating that the entire Dalit community has been deeply hurt. He even criticized Pramod Madhwaraj for supporting the assault, highlighting that he failed to offer any condolences or support to the victim.

Additionally, Girish pointed out that former Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat also opposed filing an atrocity case in the matter. He emphasized that when a woman from a scheduled caste is assaulted, filing an atrocity case is mandatory.

"Many people from our community work in Malpe, and such incidents should not happen again, the district administration should convene a peace meeting immediately and demanded that cases be registered against those involved in the assault.

He also alleged that Pramod Madhwaraj publicly called the victim a ‘thief,’ questioning his right to make such remarks. He demanded his immediate arrest, stating that he is unfit to hold even the position of a village panchayat member, let alone that of a former minister.

Girish D R led the demands and called for strict action against those responsible for the incident.