Prosecution submits writ application on Mangaluru pub attack case

The prosecution has submitted a writ application to the District and Sessions Court on May 5, questioning the order passed by the Magistrate Court, acquitting 26 accused in connection with the pub attack case in Mangaluru during 2009.

On April 28, the deputy commissioner gave his consent to the proposal seeking permission to file a writ application against the order of the second JMFC court.

Accordingly, the public prosecutor has filed a writ application as per various sections under IPC.

Principal District and Sessions Judge K S Beelagi has transferred the case to the sixth additional district and sessions court.

Notices have been served to all the 26 accused and the next date for the hearing has been scheduled on June 27.

In January 2009, a mob attacked youth at Amnesia Bar and Restaurant at Balmatta road in Mangaluru. Pub employees were also threatened during the incident.

Cases were registered against 30 people including Sri Ram Sene founder Pramod Muthalik. An accused died during the period of the investigation while three accused are still absconding.

Following the lack of evidence, the second JMFC court acquitted the 26 accused on March 12, 2018.

The court also noticed that the police department had erred by not producing crucial evidence such as video footage to the court.

The prosecution had directed a senior public prosecutor to submit a report in this regard.

After studying the court judgement, the prosecutor recommended for the submission of a writ petition as the investigation of additional witnesses and evidence was required.