Offensive remarks against women: Forest Officer arrested, released on bail later

Team Udayavani, Oct 19, 2024, 11:08 AM IST

Sullia: Bellare Police on Friday arrested Panja sub-zonal forest officer Sanjeev Poojary Kaniyoor for allegedly making offensive remarks about women from a particular community during a phone conversation, which later went viral as an audio clip.

Reportedly, Sanjeev was heard speaking inappropriately about women from the Billava community while on a call with another individual. Following this, a complaint was filed by the Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV) in Puttur district at the Bellare police station.

Members of Hindu organizations also staged a protest near the Puttur DySP office on Friday, demanding Poojary’s arrest. Responding to the protests, the Bellare police arrested him from his residence in Kaniyoor and began an inquiry.

Previously, Poojari had also faced allegations of posting offensive remarks about bhajans on social media. After his arrest, he was presented in Sullia court, where he was granted conditional bail.

Complaints from Hindu Organizations and Billava Community

In addition to the allegations made by the Hindu Jagarana Vedike, members of the Billava community have also lodged complaints against the forest officer. They accused him of making lewd and defamatory statements about Billava girls and Hindu youths, which they claimed could incite communal tension and disturb social harmony.

The Hindu Jagarana Vedike District Co-coordinator, Samith Daregudde, submitted a complaint through Moodbidri Police Officer Sandesh P.G., urging authorities to take strict action, including dismissal of Poojary from government service.

Demand for Dismissal from Government Service

In a related incident, youth organizations such as Koti Chennaya Yuva Shakti Alyuru and the Billava Community Seva Sangha Shiradi jointly filed a complaint at the Moodbidri police station, demanding not only the arrest but also the dismissal of Sanjeev Poojari from his official position. The groups emphasized that his remarks had deeply offended the Billava community and called for stern punishment for his actions.