Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady
Beltangady, Aug 6: A shocking incident was reported from Dharmasthala on Wednesday, August 6 evening, where four Youtubers were brutally attacked by a group of miscreants near the house of Soujanya, the victim in the infamous rape and murder case. The incident triggered tension in the area leading to a brief police lathi charge.
The attack occurred while the Youtubers were interviewing Rajath, a former Bigg Boss Kannada contestant, near the Pangala Cross, close to Soujanya’s house. The Youtubers who came under attack have been identified as Ajay Anchan of 'Kudla Rampage', Abhishek from 'United Media', Vijay from 'Sanchari Studio', and the cameraman from 'Kudla Rampage.'
The incident occurred near the popular pilgrimage centre where the group had arrived in a Bolero vehicle displaying Pro-Soujanya stickers and banners.
According to eyewitnesses, a mob of nearly 50 to 100 people arrived in two or three auto-rickshaws and launched a sudden assault on the Youtubers. The assailants accused them of tarnishing the reputation of Dharmasthala through their videos. Cameras and microphones were snatched and smashed. The attackers also completely damaged their Bolero vehicle. Stones were pelted at the vehicle, and the banner related to the Soujanya case was torn down by the mob. The group fled the scene after the attack.
The Youtubers sustained injuries, with one reported to be seriously hurt. All were admitted to Benaka Hospital in Ujire, and one of them is said to be in the ICU. The camera used in the interview was reportedly damaged beyond repair.
The incident is said to have unfolded after Rajath visited Soujanya’s house along with a lawyer. The Youtubers, upon learning about his visit, approached him near Pangala Cross for an interview. It was at this moment that the mob appeared and launched the assault.
As tensions escalated, a crowd began to gather at the spot, prompting the police to resort to a light lathi charge to disperse them.
Security has since been tightened in Dharmasthala to prevent any further untoward incidents. Police presence has been increased, and an investigation is underway to trace the attackers.
Meanwhile, the police have confirmed that the situation in Dharmasthala has returned to normal and all those gathered have dispersed. FIRs are being registered at the Dharmasthala police station under two primary complaints:
1) Assault on Youtubers and damage to two of their vehicles by a group supporting Dharmasthala, and assault on a Suvarna News reporter allegedly by individuals supporting the Youtubers.
2) Unlawful assembly charges at three locations — Pangala (where police resorted to a light lathi charge), Dharmasthala police station, and in front of the hospital.
Police clarified that after consulting the doctor, there were no signs of any grievous injuries to those admitted at the hospital. Further legal action will be taken after examining the available video footage.