Fishermen leader Manju Kola booked for making provocative speech in Karnataka

Udupi: The Malpe police have booked a suo motu case against fishermen leader Manju Kola for making a provocative speech during the fishermen protest held under the aegis of Malpe Fishermen Association on March 22.

In response to the incident where a woman was tied to a tree and assaulted at Malpe Port, the Malpe Fishermen’s Association, along with other major fishing organisations, staged a protest at the Malpe Port area.

The aim is to discuss the issue peacefully and harmoniously while addressing the concerns of fishermen across different communities. Several dignitaries will attend the meeting and address the public, said Udupi SP Dr Arun K.

During the meeting, Manju Kola, while speaking in Tulu, referred to a past incident in Gangolli and issued a warning to the SP .

He said "Do not let such an incident happen again. If the demand to withdraw section under atrocities act is not fulfilled by March 25, the same Gangolli incident will repeat here. There is no doubt about it. We, the people of the coastal region, will unite from Gangolli to Mangaluru."

During his speech, Manju Kola incited the public by encouraging criminal actions under the pretext of delivering a speech. He provoked and instigated those present to engage in activities such as blocking the national highway, thereby promoting enmity and unrest despite being aware of the possible consequences, said SP .

A case has been registered at Malpe Police Station under Sections 57, 191(1), and 192 of the BNS.