Former Minister JP Hegde Condemns Assault on Dalit Woman in Malpe, Urges Responsible Action
Udupi: Former Minister Jayaprakash Hegde has issued a strong condemnation of the recent assault on a Dalit woman in Malpe, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of such violence and calling for responsible leadership in the aftermath. The incident, involving allegations of theft, has sparked considerable controversy and led to planned protests.
Hegde stated that the proper course of action would have been to hand the woman over to law enforcement officials, rather than resorting to vigilante justice. “It is unacceptable to take the law into one’s own hands instead of handing over a woman accused of stealing fish to the police,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of upholding the rule of law. He further criticized the Udupi MLA for not immediately visiting Malpe and engaging with police officials to address the situation.
The former minister also cautioned against unproductive blame games and stressed the importance of due process. Hegde pointed out that any case filed against innocent individuals without supporting video evidence could be dismissed following further investigation. He emphasized that while protests may occur, the legal proceedings must now run their course and a decision be reached in court.
Adding to the call for restraint, Congress leader Prasad Raj Kanchan has appealed to the fishermen’s association to call off their planned protest for March 22nd. Kanchan argued that since the case is currently before the courts, it is essential to await the outcome of the judicial process.
Furthermore, Kanchan criticized Udupi legislators for failing to address infrastructural deficiencies in the area, including the lack of adequate CCTV coverage. He challenged them to take responsibility for rectifying these shortcomings, stating that they must serve the public. “Our legislators must act responsibly and not attempt to incite communal tensions in any matter. They need to resolve the people’s problems,” Kanchan stated, also noting the legislators’ silence on the incident during the Assembly session. The incident continues to be a source of tension, with calls for accountability and responsible action dominating the discourse.