Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 7: The Ullal Sharada Utsav, known for its orderly and devotional celebrations, has been marred by the actions of police officers, alleged Mangaluru Mandal BJP president Jagadish Alva of Kuvettabail.

Addressing a press conference organised by the BJP Mangaluru Mandal at Ullal Press Club, Alva accused the police of creating tension by desecrating the sticks used for the tiger dance, which are considered sacred. He said the police’s conduct has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.

“The officers have brought disgrace upon the district by their actions. The Sharada idol was retained until morning and then immersed, causing anguish among Hindus. The government must immediately withdraw the cases filed against 30 persons and others and transfer the erring officers. I also urge that officials with a cordial approach be posted,” Alva said.

BJP Mandal secretary Mohan Raj K R alleged that the disturbances during the Ullal Sharada Utsav were part of the Congress government’s continued anti-Hindu stance. “The organisers had followed all police conditions while holding the Mosaru Kudike and Sharada festivals. But the police overreacted during the Dasara procession, leading to chaos,” he said.

Raj further stated that the police hurt Hindu sentiments by placing the Sharada idol on the road. He said three youths, including Rakshith, were detained on charges of obstructing duty. “Rakshith had a pending case under the Motor Vehicles Act, but police portrayed him as a hardened criminal. Despite Supreme Court guidelines requiring a notice and formal procedure, he was arrested abruptly at 2 am and an FIR was hurriedly registered by 7 am,” he said.

Mohan Raj alleged that two other youths were released at midnight, while cases were filed against 30 others who gathered outside the station in protest. “The government must withdraw these cases within a week, or the BJP will launch a strong protest,” he warned.

He also criticised the police for failing to act against a provocative social media post mocking Hindus under the name “Ayesha Mohammed”, while they promptly register suo motu cases against Hindus for similar actions.

Ullal Mogaveera Sangha president Yashwanth Amin said there were “invisible hands” behind the police misconduct. “MLAs and the Speaker, who speak on every issue, have remained silent even though the sentiments of Ullal’s Hindus were hurt. PSIs Krishna and Santosh are directly responsible for the Sharada Utsav clash,” he said.

He added that the Sharada Utsav procession was conducted as per police guidelines, but officers accused participants of assault when they questioned the sound volume of a tableau microphone. “The police who misbehaved even grabbed and broke the tiger dance sticks used in the performance, offending religious sentiments,” Amin alleged.

He further said that Rakshith, who had stitches on his head from a previous injury, was assaulted and dragged by police despite bleeding. “Four to five officers behaved brutally and took him into custody. Two others were also arrested, but were released early Friday morning after BJP leaders intervened,” he said.

Amin also alleged that one police officer provoked the protesters by approaching them aggressively and saying, ‘Try touching me and see what happens’. “Across the state, the Congress government is misusing the police to suppress Hindu religious activities,” he added.

BJP vice president Ravishankar Someshwar, Ullal Mogaveera Sangha leader Babu Bangera, and BJP Yuva Morcha district vice president Nishanth Poojary were present at the press conference.