Updated

Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (MS)

Puttur, Aug 15: Chaos prevailed here on Sunday August 15 as SDPI workers obstructed a chariot during Independence Day celebrations organized by Kabaka gram panchayat.

Instructions had been given to every gram panchayat to take out Independence Day chariot on behalf of the government. Accordingly, Kabaka gram panchayat made a vehicle ready for holding a procession in the town. When the president of the panchayat and PDO was about to flag off the vehicle, SDPI workers objected to the display of Veer Savarkar’s photo on the vehicle. In addition, the SDPI workers insisted on displaying the photo of Tipu Sultan, sources said.

A verbal argument ensued between the SDPI workers and the organisers.

Tense atmosphere prevailed for some time on the spot.

When the controversy snowballed into a fist fight, the local police arrived on the scene and dispersed the SDPI activists and brought the situation under control.

Puttur MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor, who came to know about the incident visited Kabaka gram panchayat and condemned the act of SDPI workers and instructed police to arrest them immediately.

'"Of late, communal forces are active in Kabaka as most of them have contact with Kerala organizations. They are involved in disturbing the harmony of society. The act of obstructing the movement of Independence Day Chariot is condemnable. There is a clear hand of certain organizations of Kerala behind this act. The government has to take this matter seriously," Matandoor said.

"Investigation of this incident needs to be handed over to the NIA and the vested interests behind the act should be brought to light. We will not give the opportunity to turn Kabaka into another Kashmir," he said.

MLA Matandoor said that local police are informed of the incident and the same will be brought to the notice of the home minister.