Puttur, 1 September 2026: A large number of activists and BJP leaders participated in the Puttur Chalo protest organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and Hindu Jagarana Vedike on Monday (August 31), demanding action over the Darbe incident and raising several concerns over the police handling of the case.
Organisations demanded the arrest of those accused of allegedly assaulting Hindu business owners, registration of cases under provisions relating to organised crime, an investigation into the alleged role of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), and action against what they described as a biased approach by the police department.
Addressing the protest, Srikanth Shetty Karkala, prominent state executive committee member of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike, said the Hindu community was being placed in a situation where it could neither speak nor write about injustice.
He demanded that cases be registered against all those seen allegedly assaulting people in the video footage of the incident. “If the department does not take these demands seriously, the confrontation between Hindu organisations and the authorities could intensify,” he said.
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‘Lathi, Boots, Court and Cases Are Part of Life’
Shetty said Hindu activists were not afraid of facing police action or legal proceedings. “Lathi, boots, court and cases are part of our life,” he said, while accusing the police of attempting to suppress Hindu organisations.
He questioned how people allegedly involved in an assault could remain free while the police were taking action against protesters. He also warned that the patience of the Hindu community should not be mistaken for weakness.
Referring to the history of Hindu organisations and their struggles during the Emergency and the period of MISA, he said activists were prepared to face legal and political challenges.
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Criticism of Police Action
Shetty strongly criticised what he described as selective police action against Hindu activists. He alleged that cases were being filed against people who had participated in protests or delivered speeches, while questioning the action taken against those accused in the original incident.
He also criticised officers whom he alleged were acting in favour of the Congress government and urged the police to function according to the law rather than political considerations. He called for the rule of law to prevail instead of what he termed “police raj”.
Shetty further made political remarks concerning Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, referring to alleged criminal cases against him and challenging the authorities to apply the same standards of law enforcement to political leaders. He also alleged that rowdy sheets were being opened against people facing only a few cases or those who had participated in protests.
‘Activists Ready to Face Injustice’
Shetty said activists who had spent years working for society while wearing the saffron shawl had sacrificed their personal interests for the organisation. He warned officials that such activists were prepared to stand up against what they considered injustice and urged the authorities to reconsider their approach before the agitation entered a more serious phase.
Puttur Chalo Begins at Darbe
Protest march began at Darbe, where doctor Dr. M.K. Prasad Bhandary handed over the saffron flag to formally launch the programme. Participants raised slogans as the procession moved towards the Venkataramana Temple area. Activists from Sullia, Belthangady and Bantwal also participated, carrying saffron flags during the procession. Protest was organised around various demands linked to the Darbe case and the police action that followed the incident.
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Heavy Police Security in Puttur
Administration made extensive security arrangements in and around Puttur in view of the mobilisation. Police personnel were deployed at strategic points across the town, including outside commercial establishments. A Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoon and fire service personnel were stationed near Gandhi Katte. Police officers from different ranks and Special Action Force (SAF) teams were deployed along the procession route. Security arrangements were aimed at ensuring that the large mobilisation passed off peacefully and preventing any untoward incident.
Leaders Attend the Protest
Programme was attended by BJP legislators Bharath Shetty, Rajesh Naik, Harish Poonja, Bhagirathi Murulya and Kishore Kumar Bottiady, along with former legislators Sanjeeva Matandoor and S. Angara. BJP Dakshina Kannada district president Satish Kumpala, Sharan Pumpwell, Ramitha Karkala, Gopalakrishna Herale and several other leaders and activists were also present.
Puneet Attavar, divisional coordinator, was present. District coordinator Mohan Das Kaniyoor delivered the introductory remarks, while president Krishna Prasanna welcomed the gathering. Joint secretary Sridhar Thenkila proposed the vote of thanks and Vishakh compered the programme.
Keywords
Puttur Chalo, Darbe incident Puttur, Srikanth Shetty Karkala, Puttur protest, Hindu organisations Puttur, Dakshina Kannada news, Puttur News Today, Puttur Suddi, Citizen News Puttur