2 booked for moral policing, one for illegal transportation of beef in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: The Bajpe Police have booked two separate cases on moral policing against two men and illegal transportation of beef against another man.

Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H said that Abdul Sattar Mullarpatna was travelling on a motorcycle along with his 11-year-old daughter carrying 19 kg of beef without any documents on Malali Narlapadavi Road in Bajpe police station limits. At this point, two youths — Sumit Bhandari (21) and Rajat Naik (30), residents of Yedapadavu — allegedly intercepted the motorcycle using a Tata Sumo vehicle and blocked their way. During the confrontation, the motorcycle reportedly fell, causing the girl to suffer burns on her leg from the silencer. Abdul Sattar allegedly fled the spot, while local residents rushed the injured girl to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The commissioner said that the girl’s statement was recorded at the hospital, in which she alleged that the two youths blocked their vehicle and assaulted her father with their hands.

The accused Sumit and Rajat were summoned to the Bajpe police station for questioning and were interrogated separately. During enquiry, Rajat Naik, who works as a medical representative, claimed that they were on their way to deliver medicines to a clinic. However, on verification, the concerned doctor reportedly denied receiving any medicines from them. The accused also gave conflicting statements, claiming they were heading to a temple but failed to specify the location when questioned separately.

Based on the incident, police have taken suo motu cognisance and registered a case for transporting beef without proper bills. Additionally, an FIR has been registered against Sumit Bhandari and Rajat Naik on charges related to moral policing.

It was found during the investigation that Sattar was delivering beef regularly around the area. Nineteen kgs of beef that were seized were packed in 35 packets. The police are yet to confirm if the duo had assaulted Sattar. “Once Sattar is caught, the police will come to know from where he was getting the beef,” said Commissioner. A separate case will be booked against those who spread false news pertaining to the incident, he added.