Case Filed Against Former Minister Pramod Madhwaraj for Provocative Speech at Malpe Protest
Udupi: Former minister Pramod Madhwaraj is facing legal action after allegedly delivering a provocative speech during a protest held in Malpe. A case has been registered against him at the Malpe police station under Crime No. 34/2025, invoking sections 57, 191(1), and 192 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The charges stem from remarks made by Mr. Madhwaraj at a protest organized by the Malpe Fishermen’s Association (Regd) and other fishing organizations. The demonstration was held in response to an incident involving the assault of a woman at the Malpe harbor, where she was allegedly tied to a tree. The purpose of the meeting, according to a statement released by the district police department, was to address the issues faced by fishermen at the harbor and find peaceful and harmonious solutions, involving all communities.
During his address, Mr. Madhwaraj is accused of making statements that appeared to justify the public assault on the woman and inciting the public to engage in similar actions.
According to the police report, Mr. Madhwaraj rhetorically asked the crowd, “What do we do if thieves break into our homes? If the police take 5-6 hours to arrive, what can we do? We have to tie them up…We must tie up the thieves; what else can be done? If they get hit, is it with a knife or a sword?” He further questioned whether the injured party, in this case, the accused individual, faced any objection from the woman.
Authorities allege that Mr. Madhwaraj’s speech was filled with animosity and made with the full knowledge that it could incite further criminal activity. The police statement further asserts that his words constituted incitement and justification of violence.
The Malpe police are currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the matter.