Bhatkal: BJP, Congress workers clash over derogatory Whatsapp message; several arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Bhatkal, Mar 10, 2016: As many as 12 BJP workers and three Congress workers were arrested by the Bhatkal Police on March 9, Wednesday following clashes between  them over the issue of a Whatsapp message which was allegedly circulated  by a BJP worker  over the issue of the recent bundh observed in Bhatkal to protest against the statement made by MP Ananth Kumar. Police had to even resort to caning to quell a mob  which had gathered in front of the local police station.

 

 

 

 

 

It is said Block Congress President Vittal Naik who had also closed his shop recently in support of the bundh  was questioned by BJP member  Tulsidas Nayak who had later allegedly circulated  abusive Whatsapp messages which even went viral.

An altercation between Vittal Naik and Tulsidas Nayak over this issue snowballed into a full-fledged clash when more workers of both the parties joining in.

Matters turned worse when Naik even approached the local police station to lodge a complaint . BJP workers reportedly attacked Naik who retaliated resulting in a tense situation. Police resorted to lathi charge in front of the station and summoned additional police forces.

Three cases have been registered in connection with the incident. If one case is against Tulsidas Nayak for allegedly circulating Whatsapp message, the other cases are against Vittal Naik for reportedly attacking Tulsidas and against Govind Naik and other BJP leaders for attacking Vittal Naik.

Meanwhile, Vittal Naik has denied reports that he had assaulted Tulsidas and defended the closure of his shop on the occasion of bundh stating that he had Muslim employees.