‘Treated like criminal’: Video of police action on man questioning collection at Arikady toll viral
Kasaragod: A video showing police allegedly manhandling a vehicle user who questioned toll collection at the Arikady toll gate in Kumble has gone viral on social media, triggering sharp criticism and allegations of police excess.
Toll collection at the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) toll gate in Arikady was resumed on Wednesday after the Kerala High Court adjourned the hearing on a petition challenging the levy. However, resistance to the toll continues among vehicle users in the region.
According to local accounts, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening when a man travelling with his family questioned toll staff about the collection. Police personnel who intervened allegedly pulled him out of the car and manhandled him in full view of his family members. Those present accused the police of treating the man like a criminal for merely raising questions over the toll.
A video clip of the incident has since spread widely on social media, with several users alleging human rights violations and misuse of force by the police.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) Manjeshwara unit has also accused the Kumble Police of assaulting the man in front of his family for questioning the toll collection. The unit announced plans to stage a protest outside the Kumble Police Station on Thursday evening in response to the incident.
The Kerala High Court had been expected to deliver its order on Wednesday on the legality of toll collection at Arikady. However, the hearing was adjourned to February 11 after the counsel representing NHAI failed to appear before the court. During the proceedings, the court reportedly raised questions over shortcomings in the actions of NHAI and sought an explanation for the hurried implementation of toll collection at the site.
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R-Day parade: Navy wins best marching contingent award, Maharashtra tops tableau category
New Delhi (PTI): Indian Navy has been adjudged the best marching contingent among the three wings of the armed forces at this year's Republic Day Parade, officials have said.
Maharashtra won the top prize in the category of states and Union Territories for its tableau showcasing Ganeshotsav, while the culture ministry's tableau celebrating the 150-year legacy of 'Vande Mataram' emerged as the winner in the ministries and departments category.
The Navy's marching contingent comprised 144 young personnel marching shoulder-to-shoulder on the historic Kartavya Path, symbolising it as a progressive and strong maritime force, Navy officials said on Wednesday.
The Navy's marching contingent won the top prize in the best marching contingent among the three services, while Delhi Police's contingent was adjudged the best marching contingent among Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other auxiliary forces, they said.
In the state and Union Territories tableau category, Jammu and Kashmir won the second prize, followed by Kerala in third place.
Maharashtra's tableau presented a blend of modernity and tradition, portraying the Ganesh festival as a symbol of self-reliance. Dressed in traditional attire, a troupe of women dancers performed Lezim, a folk dance, on either side of the tableau during the parade on the ceremonial boulevard.
The culture ministry's tableau celebrated 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', showcasing the song's composition by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, a colonial-era recording by a famous Marathi singer and its rendition by a group representing the 'Gen Z'.
Themed 'Vande Mataram: The Soul-Cry of a Nation', the tableau's foreground section depicted the manuscript of 'Vande Mataram' being composed, while a panel on its lower side depicted an image of Chatterjee.
The middle section carried a group of artistes in traditional costumes, depicting the folk diversity of India, while some were seen in modern dresses, representing the 'Gen Z'.
Behind them, a series of art installations showcased celebrated actor and musician of Marathi cinema and theatre, Vishnupant Pagnis, recording the song, freedom fighters facing the gallows, and an imposing image of 'Bharat Mata' (Mother India) holding the Tricolour.
The depiction was of the rare 1928 recording of the song by him, an official said.
The award presentation ceremony will take place on January 30 at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp, another official said.
A special prize was awarded to the Central Public Works Department's tableau, which celebrated 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' with a floral float; and the 'Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India' dance group, officials said.
In the 'Popular Choice' category, based on an online poll conducted on the MyGov portal, citizens voted the Assam Regiment as the best marching contingent among the three services, while the CRPF won the award for the best marching contingent among the CAPFs and other auxiliary forces.
Gujarat secured the top spot in the popular choice category for states and Union territories with its tableau themed 'Mantra of Swadeshi-Self-Reliance-Freedom: Vande Mataram', followed by Uttar Pradesh (theme - Culture of Bundelkhand) and Rajasthan (theme - Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art).
The Department of School Education and Literacy's tableau (theme - National Education Policy) was chosen as the best tableau from central ministries and departments in the 'Popular Choice' category, they said.
