Karwar: Miscreants Disrupt Peace in Bhatkal - Police Arrest Five
Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar (SP)
Karwar, Sep 18: With the Muslim festival of Eid ul Fitr just round the corner, a few anti-social elements tried to disrupt the peace and the festive mood. They appeared to be trying to create a rift between two communities. Two such incidents were reported on Thursday September 17, but the policemen got into action swiftly and controlled the situation before it got out of hand.
The first incident happened with a group of students from Shiroor, who reached Bhatkal to attend classes. The bus driver, conductor and ten other people reportedly assaulted them, when they reached the town. The reason for the students being thrashed, is yet to be ascertained.
In the other incident, it is said that Shankar Sankappa Naik, who is stated to be Sri Rama Sene leader, supported by a few persons, attacked a shopkeeper and even tried to damage his Ramzan stall, outside Marikatta temple. The stall had been set up after obtaining the temple management permission, it is learnt. Allegedly, the group objected to the alleged action of the shopkeeper in selling leather footwear near the temple. Eye witnesses reported on the condition of anonymity, that the assailant also held the collar of the policeman who tried to stop him and started abusing him. Subsequently, deputy superintendent of police, Dr Vedamurthy, circle inspector, Guru Mathur along with sub-inspector of police and others, rushed to the spot and arrested the miscreants including Shankar Naik. Immediately after the incident, people dispersed and shopkeepers closed their shutters, being apprehensive of the situation turning grim. However, normalcy was restored later and the shops were opened again.
A crowd assembled outside the Bhatkal town police station and demanded stern action against the miscreants. A delegation of the Majlise Islah wo Tanzeem, Bhatkal, held a meeting with the police officials to discuss the issue. It demanded stringent action against the culprits.
The delegation was led by general secretary S J Khalid.
Dr Vedamurthy assured the delegation that strict action would be taken against the culprits. A peace meeting was later convened by policemen and assistant commissioner, at the Circuit House here. The policemen took out a march through the town’s streets to instill a sense of confidence among the people.
The fiver arrested persons have been identified as Shankar Sankappa Naik Chowtani, Harish Nagappa Naik Chowtani, Nagesh Jatta Naik Chowtani, Shridhar Maabla Devadiga Muttalli and Shankar Masteppa Moger Jaali. The policemen are on the lookout for the others who are accused of indulging in vandalism.