Externment notice served on Hindutva activist and BJP leader Arun Kumar Puttila

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, June 3, 2025: Stella Varghese, Puttur Assistant Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, served a notice on Hindutva activist and BJP leader Arun Kumar Puttila, asking him to show cause why he should not be externed to Shahabad police limits in Kalaburagi district.

The notice issued on May 28, under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, did not mention any reasons for the move. It stated that if Mr. Puttila fails to appear before the officer by June 6 to present his case, the issue would be decided based on the available material. Section 55 of the Act deals with the removal of persons who were about to commit any offence.

A resident of Mundur village in Puttur taluk, 54-year-old Mr. Puttila had unsuccessfully contested the 2023 Assembly elections from Puttur as an Independent, losing to incumbent Ashok Kumar Rai of the Congress by a margin of 4,149 votes. He entered the fray as a rebel candidate after the BJP refused him the party ticket. While Mr. Rai polled 66,607 votes, Mr. Puttila polled 62,458 votes, and the BJP’s Asha Thimmappa secured 37,558 votes at that time.

Notices to 23 persons

Asked about the reasons for the externment notice, Puttur AC Stella Varghese said it was based on the recommendations of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Puttur sub-division, who had listed several cases against Mr. Puttila. “I will hold a court of inquiry and hear both sides before passing orders—either accepting or rejecting the plea. The reasons were communicated to the person concerned, she said.”  

Ms. Varghese also said that she has received similar requests for externment from the police against 22 persons, and notices were issued to them as well.