Case Registered Against Pramod Madhwaraj; MLA Yashpal Suvarna Criticizes Congress Government

Case Registered Against Pramod Madhwaraj; MLA Yashpal Suvarna Criticizes Congress Government

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, March 23, 2025: The Udupi police have registered a case against BJP leader and former Minister Pramod Madhwaraj for allegedly delivering a provocative speech during a protest organized by the Malpe Fishermen Association at Malpe Fishing Harbour on Saturday.

The protest was in response to the arrest of five individuals from the fishermen community in connection with the assault of a woman who was tied to a tree at the harbour on March 18. Speaking at the protest, Mr. Madhwaraj justified the incident, stating that the fishermen acted appropriately by restraining the woman until police arrived. He remarked, “They did not use sharp weapons but only slapped her. Does anybody felicitate a person accused of theft? The victim herself did not object to the conduct of the fishermen.”

Following his statements, the Malpe police filed a suo motu case against Mr. Madhwaraj, accusing him of encouraging criminal behavior and making inflammatory remarks that could incite unrest. He has been charged under Sections 57 and 191(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to a police release.

In response, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna alleged that the police acted under pressure from the Congress government. He criticized the administration for targeting members of the fishermen community by filing a case under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and accused the government of suppressing voices raised in support of fishermen by registering a case against the former minister.

“The police department, acting as a puppet of the state government, is neglecting the concerns of the coastal region’s fishermen. Their repeated attempts to test the patience of fishermen are unacceptable. The people of Udupi will give a fitting response to this in the coming days,” Mr. Suvarna warned.

The incident has sparked political controversy, with leaders from both sides exchanging accusations as the case unfolds.