Stany Bela
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 29: In a move that has reignited deep-seated resentment across the coastal districts, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has demolished the memorial of legendary banker and visionary Mulki Sundaram Shetty.
The structure, located along National Highway 66 in front of the Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple in Bappanadu, Mulki, was razed to make way for a service road. Built years ago at the site of Shetty’s cremation, the memorial stood as a symbol of gratitude from the community, Vijaya Bank employees and those whose lives he transformed.
The demolition was reportedly carried out using earthmovers without prior public notice or alternative arrangements, sparking widespread outrage across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
A History of Discontent
For the people of the twin districts, the incident has reopened old wounds. It follows the highly controversial merger of the Mangaluru-headquartered Vijaya Bank — a thriving local institution — with a struggling national bank, a move many locals felt stripped the region of its financial heritage.
At the time, local MPs and MLAs faced severe backlash for their silence during the merger. The current demolition has once again exposed elected representatives to allegations of political hypocrisy and failure to protect the icons of Tulunadu.
‘An Insult to a Great Visionary’
Speaking to Daijiworld, social activist Dinesh Ulepady condemned the NHAI’s handling of the demolition.
“It is deeply disheartening to see the memorial of Mulki Sundaram Shetty demolished without any prior notice,” Ulepady said. “I understand that NHAI officials had previously contacted a relative of Sundaram Shetty who held the land rights, offering Rs 1.5 lac in compensation. She rejected the money, requesting instead that it be directed toward social welfare in his name. Instead of following up, authorities simply arrived with a JCB and flattened the structure without informing the family or the locals.”
Ulepady highlighted Shetty’s towering legacy, noting that his leadership at Vijaya Bank provided employment to tens of thousands in the region and pioneered educational loans that transformed local society.
“We failed to save Vijaya Bank, and now we have failed to save his memorial. The government and the NHAI must immediately sanction at least half an acre of accessible land in Mulki to rebuild a fitting monument that will inspire future generations,” he demanded.
Political Backlash and Upcoming Protests
Local residents emphasized that while they do not oppose infrastructure development or the construction of the service road, the complete lack of respect shown to a historic cremation site is unacceptable.
“The local MP and MLA have utterly failed to protect Shetty’s memory,” remarked a local resident.
The incident is rapidly snowballing into a major political flashpoint. Various socio-cultural organizations, members of the Bunts community and several former Vijaya Bank employees are currently mobilizing. Leaders have warned of large-scale agitations against the central government and highway authorities, calling upon the people of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi to join the protests to defend the honour of one of the region’s greatest visionaries.