Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur
Puttur, Aug 23: A minor dispute over a document getting burnt in a lamination machine at a shop in Darbe escalated into a physical altercation, prompting the police to intervene. The police have issued a stern warning against attempts to give the incident a communal colour and have booked two individuals for spreading provocative messages and calling for a bandh on social media.
According to a police media release, the issue began when a technical snag in a lamination machine damaged a customer's document. Instead of resolving the matter peacefully or approaching consumer forums, the customer allegedly behaved aggressively with a shop worker. The shop owner, Akshatha Rai (also identified as Anjana Pai), intervened, which led to a further altercation.
During the commotion, an individual named Sudarshan Pai assaulted another person who was attempting to record the incident on his mobile phone. Video footage of the sequence of events is available with the authorities.
The police subsequently took Sudarshan Pai into custody. However, the situation remained tense as some individuals behaved aggressively near the police vehicle. A person identified as Naushad was reportedly seen reaching inside the vehicle. Sudarshan's father, Sadhashiv Pai, who was inside the vehicle at the time, will be questioned to ascertain the exact sequence of events, police stated.
Criminal histories of those involved
The police revealed that several individuals involved in the incident have criminal backgrounds. Sudarshan Pai has previous cases against him, including an attempt to murder and drug peddling. Both Naushad and Sadhashiv Pai have a history of assault in road rage incidents. Additionally, two other individuals present at the scene also have prior criminal cases.
Action based on evidence, not public pressure
Addressing demands for the arrest of Naushad, Niyaz, Akshatha Rai, Sadhashiv Pai, and others, the police clarified that legal action would be taken strictly based on evidence, irrespective of the person's religion, community, or social identity.
"The police cannot act merely on emotional demands, public pressure, or social media narratives. The law requires the police to act on facts and admissible evidence," the release stated.
The police also noted that vested interests are attempting to portray the incident through a communal lens to create tension between communities. They urged the public not to fall prey to rumours, unverified social media posts, or inflammatory statements. Authorities added that anyone with genuine doubts is welcome to discuss the facts with the police, who are prepared to present all evidence to clear any misunderstandings.
FIRs for inciting communal tension, bandh calls
The Puttur Town police have registered cases against two individuals for inciting unrest. An individual using the WhatsApp account 'Dinesh Panjiga' has been booked under sections 353(2), 57, and 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (FIR No 100/2026) for allegedly spreading messages that incite religious enmity, instill fear among the public, and for calling a bandh to provoke an unlawful assembly.
In a related development, a second FIR (No 102/2026) has been registered at the Puttur Town police station against a person operating the Facebook account 'Sanjeeva Matandoor'. He has been booked under the same sections of the BNS for broadcasting similar messages on social media aimed at disrupting religious harmony, creating public panic, and instigating people to form an unlawful assembly through a bandh call. Further investigation is underway.
Warning against disruptive protests
The police department further clarified that while every citizen has the fundamental right to protest and necessary permissions will be granted upon request, strict legal action will be initiated against anyone who schedules the date and time of protests with an ulterior motive to disrupt the harmony and peace of society.
To restore normalcy and maintain law and order, a peace committee meeting has been scheduled for 5 pm on Sunday, August 23, at the Puttur SDPO office. The police have requested the public to participate and express their concerns in a peaceful and constructive manner.