Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police, Dr. Arun K., affirmed on the morning of August 23 that legal proceedings in the Darbe, Puttur city brawl case will proceed strictly based on evidence, rejecting demands for arrests influenced by religion or public pressure. This statement followed his visit to the Puttur City Police Station, two days after the August 21 incident.
Reviewing CCTV camera footage and social media videos related to the Darbe clash, Dr. Arun K. confirmed that police are investigating complaints received from both sides. The dispute originated from a technical malfunction with a lamination machine in a shop, which damaged a document. What could have been a peaceful resolution or a matter for the police station or consumer forum escalated when customers aggressively confronted a shop employee. Shop owner Anjana Pai also participated in the altercation. During the brawl, Sudarshan Pai intervened and assaulted an individual attempting to film the scene, an incident for which clear video evidence exists, the SP noted.
Even after police took Sudarshan Pai into custody, some individuals continued to act excessively. Naushad, for instance, was observed peeking into the police vehicle and engaging in an act, with Sudarshan Pai's father also present in the vehicle. The SP indicated that a comprehensive understanding would emerge from the available evidence, guiding further action.
Shedding light on the backgrounds of those involved, Dr. Arun K. revealed that Sudarshan Pai has a history of cases related to attempted murder and drug trafficking. Naushad and Sadashiva Pai face old cases of assault stemming from road brawls, while two other individuals who gathered in front of the shop during the incident each have one prior case.
Responding to calls for the arrest of Naushad, Niyaz, Anjana Pai, Sadashiva Pai, and others, the SP reiterated that legal action will target anyone found to have committed a crime, irrespective of their religion or community. Arrests will solely depend on the factual details of the incident, concrete evidence, and legal mandates, not public or communal pressure. Dr. Arun K. urged the public to disregard rumors and maintain peace, cautioning against attempts to communalize the incident and foster hatred. He warned that authorities would take legal action if any bandh is called, adding that individuals with doubts about the investigation are welcome to discuss their concerns with factual information.
Image for illustration purposes only
đź“° Source: Vartha Bharati DK