A group of Rama Sene activists allegedly attacked a salon near KSRTC bus stand, at Bejai in Mangaluru on Thursday, claiming that the salon was a centre for immoral activities. They allegedly vandalised the salon, verbally abused and assaulted some staff members.
Police arrested Prasad Attavar, head of Rama Sene in Mangaluru, and 13 others in this connection. He had claimed responsibility for the attack.
Police said that the group stormed into Colors, a unisex salon located in Aditya Complex near the bus stand under Barke Police Station limits, at 11.50 a.m. They threatened the female staff and vandalised the equipment.
Police gave the names of the other arrested as Harshraj, Mohan Das, Purandara, Sachin, Ravish, Suketh, Ankit, Kali Muttu, Abhilash, Deepak, Vignesh, Pradeep Poojary, and Sharan Raj, who is a camera man of a local TV channel.
A statement said the police were investigating if the arrested persons had any specific roles and whether there was any involvement of other persons, and added that members of a “certain organisation” were involved in the incident.
Barke Police registered a case in this connection based on the complaint by the salon owner Sudheer Shetty. The case was filed under Sections 329 (2), 324 (5), 74, 351 (3), 115 (2), 109, 352 and 190 of BNS.
Meanwhile, speaking to presspersons in Udupi Home Minister G. Parameshwara said that if any illegal activities took place, they (those who attacked) should have given a police complaint. Taking law into one’s own hands will not be allowed, he said.
Minister in charge of Dakshina Kannada Dinesh Gundu Rao, in Ramanagara said that, “Rama Sene has indulged in goondaism. It is not correct. Indulging in such “moral policing” will be a hindrance to the growth of Mangaluru.”
Mr. Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, said that police have been asked to take strict action against those who attacked the salon.
Hindu organisations should condemn such attacks. “An organisation named after Lord Rama indulging in such activities is a disrespect shown to Lord Rama,” Mr. Rao said.
Published - January 23, 2025 08:31 pm IST
