Police Misbehave with Locals, Protesters Attempt to Gherao Sastan Toll Plaza
Udupi: Nearly 500 protesters protesting against the collection of toll from the locals and the police atrocity against them attempted to gherao the Sastan Toll plaza on Tuesday, November 27.
On Tuesday evening nearly 500 protesters gathered at the Shivakripa Auditorium to take a decision against the collection of toll from the locals. The protesters alleged that the police were misbehaving with local people and forcing them to pay the toll. They also alleged that the Brahmavar Circle inspector used foul language against them during the protest on Monday.
The people alleged that the police were misbehaving with local civilians and accused the Brahmavar Circle Inspector of misbehaving with the protesters. The protesters suggested the Horata Samithi demand the district administration for exemption of toll for KA 20 vehicles within 10 km from both sides of the toll plaza. The Samithi leaders urged the public to gather in more numbers for the upcoming protest. After the meeting, the protesters decided to gherao the Sastan Toll plaza.
More than 400 to 500 protesters marched in a procession from Shiva Kripa Auditorium to the Toll Plaza. When the protesters reached near the Toll Plaza the police force stopped the protesters. There were heated arguments between the protesters and the police. The protesters then shouted slogans against the police. Later the police allowed the protesters to take the rally till the Toll Plaza.
The Udupi DySP Jai Shanker who arrived at the spot tried to pacify the protesters. The protesters alleged that the police misbehaved with the local vehicle owners at the Toll Plaza and were forcing them to pay the toll.
The DySP replied to the allegations and asked them to provide proof of police misbehavior with the vehicle owners and he would take action. But the protesters continued with their arguments. Later the Committee leaders requested the protesters to disperse from the toll plaza.
Religious leader Joins protest
The Local St Antony Church Parish priest Fr John Walter Mendonca joined hands with the protesters and extended his support against the collection of toll for the local people.
Speaking on the occasion Fr John Walter said, “Peoples unity will bring victory against injustice. In the meantime, the peoples’ representatives should also support the protest in a positive way”, he said.
Zilla Panchayat member Raghavendra Kanchan, former TP members Bharath Hegde, Rathna J Raj, Advocates Shaym Sundar Nairy, Bannadi Somanath Hegde, Committee president Prathap Shetty, Secretary Vittal Poojary, leaders Prashanth Shetty, Alwyn Andrade and others were present.
