Misunderstanding leads to Scuffle Between Youth Congress Leaders

Misunderstanding leads to Scuffle Between Youth Congress Leaders

Mangaluru: Scuffle erupted between two groups of the youth Congress after the 76th anniversary of Quit India Movement programme held at the Town hall here on August 9.

When Mangalorean.com contacted District Youth Congress President Mithun Rai, he said, “I was not involved in any fight. I was with the Congress leaders on the stage at the time of the scuffle between two groups. Some of the media has unnecessarily mentioned my name in their reports. I am ready for any investigation or to go to any Holy place to prove my innocence in this matter”.

Speaking to mangalorean.com Youth Congress leader Lawrence D’Souza said, “On July 20, when I was in a Shop in Kodialbail on business, I received a call at 3:59 pm from mobile number ****90**10 the person used foul language and threatened me with life saying, “Do you know who I am? I will shoot you in the head. While he was threatening me, I recorded the conversation. He spoke to me for 3.44 minutes during which he also said, “Yesterday Shiroor Swamiji died of poisoning, likewise I will poison and kill you”.

Lawrence further said, “When I checked the number on “Truecaller”, I got the name of the caller. I went to Mangaluru North Police station and filed a complaint against the caller and a case under section 157 CrPC was filed. Today, August 9, while we were attending the 76th anniversary of Quit India Movement programme at the Town Hall, as soon as the programme was over, Punith questioned me on why I had filed a case against him? He also used foul language and assaulted me. At that time senior Congress leaders intervened and stopped the fight.”

Lawrence D’Souza has now been admitted to a private hospital in the city and a case has been filed in this connection.

When mangalorean.com contacted MLC Ivan D’Souza, he said, “It is a silly matter and both the groups had some misunderstanding which led to the scuffle. We immediately intervened and stopped them from fighting.”

Punith Shetty speaking to mangalorean.com said, “It was a conspiracy by the District Youth Congress president. I have a threat to my life and I have informed the District Congress President Harish Kumar to provide me a gunman. But they did not heed my request. I am closely associated with MLC Ivan D’Souza and always accompany him during his press meets which the other group cannot digest. I am also an aspirant for the post of District Youth Congress President. I don’t have any case registered against me in any of the police stations as some persons allege out of jealousy. Being an Intuc leader, I am involved in social service and have reached a certain level which some of the youth congress leaders cannot digest. I am now admitted to A J Hospital for treatment. I have also filed a case in the Pandeshwar Police station against those who have assaulted me.”