Ullal: Midnight clash during Dasara procession, locals protest youth detention

Ullal: Midnight clash during Dasara procession, locals protest youth detention

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 3, 2025: Tension prevailed in Ullal late last night after police stopped the sound systems of tableaux during the Dasara procession, leading to a clash between police and locals.

Police detained three youths—Rakesh, Ashish, and Ashwath—on charges of obstructing duty. In protest, locals halted the procession and staged a demonstration in front of Ullal police station, demanding their release. Hundreds, including Mogaveera women, gathered outside the station and raised slogans, insisting the youths be freed before the procession could continue.

DCP Mithun H.N. rushed to the spot with additional police and held talks with Sharada Utsav organisers but failed to pacify the crowd. Later, BJP district president Satish Kumpala, leaders Santosh Boliyar and Mogaveera Sangha president Yashwant Amin intervened. The DCP explained that one of the youths, Rakesh, had previous cases against him and had abused the police, but agreed to release the other two. Following negotiations, the Sharada idol procession resumed at around 4:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, police filed an FIR not only against the three detained youths but also against nearly 80–100 protestors for obstructing police duty. Angered by this, BJP leaders walked out of the station in protest. Eventually, the two detained youths were also released to avoid further escalation.

The incident took place during the Sharada idol immersion procession that had passed through Ullal town and reached Abbakka Circle near the police station. Police stopped the remaining tableaux around 1 a.m., leading to arguments and clashes.

Adding to the controversy, devotees carrying the Sharada idol palanquin refused to perform the customary mangalarti in front of the Ullal police station, expressing displeasure over the disruption caused by police.

Police later registered a case based on PSI Krishna’s complaint, alleging that the youths had abused the police and even attempted to assault him. One of the accused, Rakesh Shetty (27) of Kallapu Sevantigudde, was named in the FIR.

Locals allege that most police officials in Ullal, including the ACP, are new and unfamiliar with the area, leading to repeated tensions. A similar controversy had erupted recently during the Thokkottu Mosaru Kudike celebrations, where locals accused police of wrongly detaining innocent youths.