Moodbidri shuts down over murder of Bajrang Dal worker

A bandh was observed in Moodbidri on Saturday, condemning the murder of Bajrang Dal activist Prashanth Poojary on Friday.

However barring an incident of damaging an autorickshaw at Vidyagiri, no untoward incident has been reported.

All the shops and business establishments remained closed throughout the day while a few medical shops remained open. However the buses remained off roads.

Alva’s Foundation Chairman Dr Mohan Alva said that an All India level Inter-University Cross Country Championship for men and women, organised by the Mangalore University and Alva’s College on Sunday at Moodbidri will be held without any disruption. The bandh was also observed in Hosmar pete in Karkala taluk.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim visited Moodbidri and took stock of the situation, on Saturday. He also visited the place where the youth was murdered and shops and hotels that were damaged by the miscreants and directed the police to inititate action against the wrong-doers.

The DC directed the police to deploy additional forces in case of emergency to maintain law and order and to keep an eye on trouble mongers, engaged in spreading rumours on social networking sites.

Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports Abhayachandra Jain directed the officials to initiate action against the culprits. BJP leaders have gave an ultimatum to arrest culprits by Sunday evening.

Briefing media persons, BJP leader Jagadish Adhikari said, victim Prashanth Poojary had raised voice against illegal transportation of cattle. “The police are silent on cattle transportation. If the police fail to arrest the accused by Sunday evening, the BJP will intensify its protest. The government should announce a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the family of the victim and cow slaughter ban should be implemented
effectively.

Following the complaint by Prashanth Poojary’s father Anand Poojary, the police have filed complaint against Imthiyaz, Badruddin of Gantalkatte, Shareef of Thodar, Iliyaz of Sanoor.