Malpe assault case: Fishermen plan protests on March 22; investigation still ongoing

Dayanand Suvarna, president of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association, stated that while they do not condone the assault on the Dalit woman, the arrest of the boat owner and others under a non-bailable warrant is unjustified.

Udupi: Malpe fishermen have announced a strike on March 22 in protest against the police action taken against a boat owner and three others following an assault on a Dalit woman from Vijayanagara district at Malpe port. The incident occurred after the woman was accused of stealing fish.

Dayanand Suvarna, president of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association, stated that while they do not condone such actions, the arrest of the boat owner and others under a non-bailable warrant is unjustified. He pointed out that thefts frequently occur at the harbour, yet the police have been ineffective in addressing them.

Regarding the assault, Suvarna explained that the woman was carrying 20 kilograms of prawns worth Rs 10,000, and the incident was not premeditated but stemmed from frustration. He added that the matter was resolved amicably soon after the incident, but the police took action under external pressure. He further expressed that the community felt deeply hurt by the way the arrested individuals were publicly displayed, alleging that the full truth of the situation had not been presented.

Meanwhile, MLA Yashpal Suvarna said the incident that took place at the Malpe port is extremely unfortunate, and the fisheries and police departments must take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

He said the fisheries department’s gross negligence in managing Malpe port, one of the country’s largest all-season fishing hubs, has led to such incidents. Despite repeated reports of theft at the port, proper CCTV installation and deployment of security personnel have not been implemented. Discussions were held three times with officials from the fisheries and port departments as well as the coastal security police, giving them clear instructions regarding port management.

Even though the port maintenance contract expired over a year ago, the authorities failed to follow tender regulations and continued the contract illegally with the same individual, despite multiple complaints about mismanagement. Last Saturday, another meeting was held to instruct officials to issue a fresh tender, but no action has been taken so far. Despite informing the district administration, no steps have been taken, leaving fishermen to suffer. The administration must take strict action against the officials responsible for this serious lapse.

Malpe fishing port has provided livelihoods to thousands of people, where fishermen have been engaged in their trade harmoniously for several decades. In the past, whenever minor incidents occurred, the Malpe Fishermen’s Association took the lead in resolving them amicably. People from not only Udupi but also other districts and states work at the Malpe port without any discrimination based on wealth or status.  At a time when fishermen are already facing financial hardships due to severe fish shortages, this unfortunate incident has occurred. The police department is currently investigating the matter, he said.

Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K said the investigation into the case is ongoing and two accused individuals, Leela and Parvati, have been arrested. Arun said the State Women's Commission has strongly condemned the inhumane act committed against the woman in this case. It has directed that appropriate legal action be taken against those responsible and that a comprehensive report on the actions taken be submitted to the commission as soon as possible.

Two personnel suspended

Headconstable Suresh and Nagaraj, the police constable have been suspended for failing to collect proper information regarding the case, Arun said.