Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, April 19: What began as a peaceful protest against the Central Government’s proposed Waqf Amendment Bill–2025 turned tense in Mangaluru on Thursday, April 18, in the evening, when a section of demonstrators moved onto National Highway 73, bringing traffic to a grinding halt and prompting swift police action.
The protest, organised on April 18 at Sha Garden, Adyar, Kannur, was led by the Ulema Coordination Committee Karnataka. With a large turnout anticipated, police had made elaborate bandobast arrangements, deploying personnel from across the state to manage law and order and ensure smooth traffic flow.
File pictures
The organisers had also arranged a substantial number of volunteers to coordinate with authorities and maintain discipline.
However, trouble began around 4:30 pm, when a group of protestors reportedly spilled onto the side and middle of the highway, disrupting vehicular movement. Despite repeated appeals from the police to clear the road, the crowd allegedly refused to disperse, leading to obstruction of not just traffic but also emergency services.
According to police officials, “The protestors’ actions interfered with public servants in the discharge of their official duties and created serious inconvenience to the public.”
Based on the on-ground observation and initial video footage, three individuals have so far been identified as accused:
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Jaleel, resident of Krishnapura
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Fazal, resident of Valachil
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Mohammed Hanif Noufal
Following a complaint by an on-duty police officer, a criminal case has been registered at the Kankanady Town Police Station under Crime No. 66/2025, invoking Sections 189(2), 126(2), 270, 324(4), 132, 285, and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police sources confirmed that efforts are underway to identify others involved by analysing more video evidence from the protest site.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities warning that strict legal action will be taken against all those found guilty of disrupting public order.