Widespread anguish over Pilikula vigilante attack : Cops arrest 3
Mangaluru: The Sangh Parivar activists literally resorted to Goondaism at the Manasa Water Park at Pilikula Nisargadhama on the outskirts of the city on January 2, Tuesday by intercepting students of a college who were enjoying a picnic and even assaulted one of the girls right in the presence of the police.
Though video clipping of the same went viral in the social media, the Kavoor police who had reportedly remained apathetic in the beginning registered a case only after an advocate intervened. Later the cops arrested Sampath Shetty, Varada and Dinesh of Moodushedde in connection with the incident.
The incident : Two boys, both II PUC students of a college at Aikala Thalippady near Kinnigoli along with two female students had hired a car on Tuesday and had arrived at Pilikula Nisargadhama. The Parivar activists who gathered information that the students were making merry at the Manasa Water Park, barged into the place and attempted to assault the students. The Kavoor Police who arrived at the spot made arrangements to take the students out of the Park.
Assaulted : As the students were being escorted outside, Sampath Shetty, a prominent local activist of Hindu Jagarana Vedike hit one of the girls on her neck right in the presence of the police who however at that moment made no attempt to take him to custody. Someone who recorded the incident had circulated it in the social media. It was only after it went viral and caused uproar that the cops registered a case.
Victim's mother files complaint : As per the complaint lodged by Melcy Serrao, the mother of the assault victim, police have arrested HJV activists Sampath Shetty, Varad and Dinesh and have registered cases against them under Section 341, 342, 324, 506, 509, 355, 153(a) and 74(1) of the IPC. Police said the prime accused Sampath Shetty already has a few cases against him in Kavoor Police Station.
Action on basis of video clipping : DCP Hanumantharaya told "Vartha Bharathi" that action would be taken against the perpetrators of the incident based on the video footage.
Widespread anguish : The goondaism and vigilante attack by the Parivar activists has led to widespread anguish with many venting out their ire against the district administration as well as the Police Department for their failure to rein in the unscrupulous elements.
"This is a joint operation"
"This is a joint operation of the Sangh Parivar and the Police Department. The Police Department in the district has completely bowed before the Sangh Parivar. The viral video of Tuesday is testimony to this. Instead of taking into custody those who tried to come in the way of the students who were at Pilikula, it is condemnable on the part of the police for allowing assault on the student right in their presence. Such an incident would not have taken place had the Sangh Parivar activists had any fear of the Police Department or law. A similar incident took place at Subrahmanya recently. Everyone is well aware as to why such incident taken place during election time. Such incidents would not have recurred if the district administration and Police Department acted tough. The authorities must take this incident seriously. There should also be an investigation into the Police failure during the incident."
Vidya Dinker, social activist
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"Those resorting to goondaism must be reined in"
"The Police Department has completely bowed before the Sangh Parivar in the district. Their taking this incident lightly despite assault on the girls right in their presence is proof to this. The government, elected representatives and the social organisations must extend their moral support to the Police Department to ensure that action follows against those resorting to goondaism. The incident is condemnable."
Dinesh Hegde Uleppady, advocate and social activist
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Manmohan Singh was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi
New Delhi, Dec 27: Describing former prime minster Manmohan Singh's death as a "personal loss", Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief Sonia Gandhi on Friday said he was her friend, philosopher and guide and that in his death, the party has lost a leader who was the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility.
In her message on Singh's demise, Sonia Gandhi said he leaves a void in the national life that can never be filled.
"We in the Congress party and the people of India will forever be proud and grateful that we had a leader like Dr Manmohan Singh whose contributions to India's progress and development are immeasurable," she said.
"In Dr Manmohan Singh's passing, we have lost a leader who was the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility, who served our country with all his heart and mind. A luminous and beloved guiding light for the Congress party, his compassion and vision transformed and empowered the lives of millions of Indians," the former Congress president said.
Singh was loved by the people of India for his pure heart and fine mind, Gandhi said, adding that his advice, "wise counsel" and views were eagerly sought and deeply valued across the political spectrum in the country.
"Respected and admired by leaders and scholars all over the world, he was hailed as a statesman of immense wisdom and stature. Dr Manmohan Singh brought brilliance and distinction to every high office that he held. And he brought pride and honour to India," she said.
"For me, Dr Manmohan Singh's death is a deeply personal loss. He was my friend, philosopher and guide. He was so gentle in his manner but so resolute in his deeply held convictions.
"His commitment to social justice, secularism and democratic values was deep and unwavering. To spend any time with him was to come away enlightened by his knowledge and sagacity, moved by his honesty and integrity, and awed by his genuine humility," Sonia Gandhi said.
Earlier in the day, the CPP chairperson paid homage to Singh at his residence where his mortal remains are kept for people to pay their last respects.
She also attended a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting convened to pay tributes to the former prime minister.
