Puttur Darbe Clash: Police Action to Be Based on Evidence, Not Religious or Public Pressure, Says SP
Puttur: Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K. said police action in connection with the clash reported at Darbe in Puttur on August 21 will be based solely on evidence and legal requirements, and not on religion or public pressure.
There have been demands for the arrest of individuals from both sides in connection with the incident. However, the SP said the police would not register cases or make arrests based on religious considerations or public pressure.
Speaking to the media after visiting the Puttur Town Police Station on the morning of August 23, Dr. Arun said police had examined CCTV footage related to the Darbe incident, along with videos circulated on social media. He said the police were investigating complaints received from both sides.
According to the SP, the dispute began after a document was damaged due to a technical problem with a lamination machine at a shop. The matter could have been resolved amicably at that stage, or the parties could have approached the police or a consumer forum. However, the customers allegedly behaved aggressively towards a shop employee. Shop owner Anjana Pai was also involved in the altercation, he said.
At this point, a person identified as Sudarshan Pai intervened and allegedly assaulted an individual attempting to record the incident on video. The available video footage provides clear evidence of the incident, the SP said.
Dr. Arun said that even after police took Sudarshan Pai into custody, some individuals allegedly behaved aggressively. Among them, a person identified as Naushad was seen leaning into the police vehicle and allegedly committing an act while Sudarshan Pai was inside.
Evidence, including footage showing Sudarshan Pai’s father seated in the vehicle, would help establish the sequence of events, and the SP said further action would be taken based on the evidence.
Speaking about the backgrounds of those involved, Dr. Arun said Sudarshan Pai had previous cases registered against him, including attempted murder and drug trafficking. Naushad and Sadashiva Pai had previous cases involving assault during a road-related altercation.
Two other individuals who had gathered in front of the shop during the clash also had one previous case each, he said.
Responding to demands for the arrest of Naushad, Niyaz, Anjana Pai, Sadashiva Pai, and others, the SP reiterated that legal action would be taken against anyone found to have committed an offence, irrespective of religion or community.
“Arrests will be based on the facts of the incident, available evidence, and the requirements of law. The police cannot arrest anyone merely because of public or communal pressure,” he said.
Dr. Arun also cautioned against attempts to give the incident a communal slant and create hatred between communities. He appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours and to maintain peace.
He warned that legal action would be taken if anyone called for a bandh in connection with the incident. Anyone having doubts about the investigation can approach the police with facts and discuss the matter, he said.