Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Apr 28: Under the leadership of former minister B Ramanath Rai, the Brahmarakootlu Toll Gate Removal Action Committee organised a massive protest march, 'Janandolana Nadige', on Tuesday, April 28 evening. The march was flagged off at the Brahmashree Narayana Guru Circle in B C Road and concluded at the toll plaza.
Addressing the protesters, Ramanath Rai stated that the struggle would continue until a logical conclusion is reached regarding the removal of the toll gate. He described the toll gate as unscientific, unnecessary, and a violation of central government regulations. "This is a pro-people, secular movement intended to alert the central government and local representatives about the anti-people nature of this toll plaza. While several new tolls are cropping up across the district, we will not stop our fight against these unscientific installations," he added.
Former minister Abhayachandra Jain remarked that activist Muneer Katipalla had successfully secured the removal of the Surathkal toll gate, and the removal of the Brahmarakootlu toll is now certain. Muneer Katipalla noted that the unity shown in the march from B C Road to Brahmarakootlu sends a strong message to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Tense moments near toll plaza
High drama prevailed for nearly 20 minutes as the march reached the toll plaza. A group of enraged protesters attempted to storm the toll booths, leading to a heated exchange of words with the toll staff over alleged rude behaviour by an employee.
Although Ramanath Rai and other senior leaders repeatedly appealed for peace, the situation remained volatile. Bantwal city police inspector Ananthapadmanabha and senior leaders including Mohan Shetty, Pius L Rodrigues, and Baby Kunder eventually managed to pacify the crowd. Timely intervention by the leaders prevented the situation from escalating further, and the protest concluded peacefully.
To prevent any untoward incidents, KSRP personnel were deployed at the site.
Action committee president Mohan Shetty, Chandraprakash Shetty Thumbe, Padmashekar Jain, Sudip Shetty, M S Mohammed, Mayilappa Salian, Mamatha Gatti, Ida Suresh, and several other prominent leaders from various organisations were present.