Violation of prohibitory order: Manipal police registers FIR against 37 persons including 7 MLAs

Udupi: Manipal police have registered a case against 37 identified persons including 7 MLAs, a MLC and MP and several unidentified individuals for allegedly violating the Deputy Commissioner’s prohibitory order and committing criminal trespass in connection with an event pertaining to foundation for Kambala track held at 80 Badagabettu village.

The case was registered based on a complaint lodged by Gururaj, Tahsildar of Udupi. According to the complaint, the accused are alleged to have disobeyed the official order in force and unlawfully entered the site where the event was organised.

Police have invoked Sections 189(2), 191(2), 329(3) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Sections 37 and 109 of the Karnataka Police Act.

Among those named in the FIR are several prominent political figures, including MLAs Gurme Suresh Shetty, Yashpal Suvarna, Sunil Kumar, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Gururaj Gantihole, Harish Poonja and Rajesh Naik.

The FIR also names Dhananjay Sarji (MLC), Kota Srinivasa Poojary (MP), and former Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon, along with local leaders, activists and residents from Badagabettu and surrounding areas.

Police sources said the investigation is at a preliminary stage and statements of the complainant and witnesses will be recorded. Authorities are also verifying video footage and other evidence related to the alleged violation of prohibitory orders.

Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, police said.