Audio controversy: Tension in BC Road diffuses amid police watch

Team Udayavani, Sep 17, 2024, 10:15 AM IST

Bantwal: The audio controversy surrounding the Eid Milad rally escalated on Monday morning, with thousands of Hindu activists gathering at BC Road. While tensions mounted, timely intervention by the police restored calm.

VHP Joint Secretary, Sharan Pumpwell, arrived at BC Road in response to a challenge issued by former Bantwal municipal chairman, Mohammad Sharif. As Sharan arrived near the Sri Rakteshwari Temple, thousands of Hindu activists stormed the highway. Despite police attempts to block the activists with barricades, they surged forward. The situation intensified as police tried to detain some activists, but they regrouped near the temple, and Sharan addressed them.

The activists demanded that the Milad rally be blocked from entering BC Road town. In response, the police stopped the rally, which was arriving from Kaikamba and Gudinabali. However, around 11 AM, a group of youths on bikes joined the rally, chanting slogans. This led to a renewed tense standoff, with Hindu activists accusing the police of allowing the rally to proceed. The situation de-escalated only after police assured the activists that action would be taken against those involved in the rally.

Bantwal municipal member A. Govind Prabhu expressed anger against the accused in the controversy, accusing them of involvement in illegal sand mining. He urged the police to file a criminal case against them. BJP district president R. Chennappa Kotian, along with HJV, VHP, and Bajrang Dal leaders such as Puneet Attavara and Mithun Kalladka, were also present.

Heavy Police Deployment

West Zone IGP Amit Singh and Dakshina Kannada SP Yahtish N led the security arrangements. Additional SPs, DYSPs, inspectors, and hundreds of police personnel were deployed. Additionally, KSRP, CRPF, and RAF units were stationed to prevent any untoward incidents.

SP Yathish N, in a press conference, stated that the Hindu activists had gathered in response to a challenge, and appropriate security measures were in place. He assured that law and order would be maintained, with no disruptions to the religious processions or protests.

Bantwal Liquor Shops Closed for 48 Hours

As a precautionary measure, the Dakshina Kannada DC ordered all liquor shops in Bantwal to remain closed for 48 hours following a request from the Bantwal Tehsildar.

Traffic Jam on Highway

The situation caused a severe traffic jam on the highway, with police blocking both sides. Eventually, vehicles were diverted via service roads and flyovers. The traffic was disrupted for around two hours before normalcy was restored.

Case Filed Against Sharan and Puneet

Mangaluru: VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell and Bajrang Dal leader Puneet Attavara were charged for making provocative statements regarding the Eid Milad procession, said Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal.