Puttur Dispute Takes Communal Turn; SP Warns of Strict Action, FIRs Registered

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, August 23, 2026: A dispute between staff and a customer at a Digital Seva Kendra in Darbe, Puttur, has escalated into a controversy with communal and political overtones. Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Arun Kumar has warned of strict action against anyone attempting to disturb public peace.

The incident occurred on Friday evening when 32-year-old Fathimath Miswan from Jalsoor in Sullia visited the centre with her siblings. A document submitted for lamination was reportedly damaged due to a technical issue, leading to an argument that escalated into a physical altercation involving shop owners Anjana Pai and Sudarshan Pai, Fathimath and those accompanying her.

The altercation continued outside the shop, with some bystanders also joining in. Police personnel who arrived at the spot reportedly faced a tense situation, with some individuals allegedly being pulled out of a police vehicle and assaulted. Police were forced to consider resorting to a lathi charge.

Three cases were registered and Sudarshan Pai was arrested. The incident subsequently triggered protests from Hindu organisations, which alleged that police action had been taken only against one side. They demanded the arrest of those allegedly involved in attacking the police vehicle and assaulting Anjana Pai. They also warned of a Puttur bandh on Tuesday if further arrests were not made.

FIRs over bandh posters
Puttur Town Police have registered a case against Dinesh Panjiga for allegedly sharing social media posters calling for a bandh. The case has been registered under Sections 353(2), 57 and 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

An FIR has also been registered against a person operating a Facebook account named “Sanjeeva Matandoor”, allegedly associated with former Puttur BJP MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor, for circulating a bandh poster related to the incident.

SP Arun Kumar said the investigation would be conducted transparently and strictly on the basis of evidence and law, adding that police would not make arrests under public or communal pressure.

‘Taliban culture prevailing in Puttur’: Nalin Kumar Kateel
Former Karnataka BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel visited Anjana Pai and inquired about her health. Criticising the police department, he alleged that “Taliban culture has been prevailing in Puttur for the past few months.”

One arrested, says SP
SP Arun Kumar said one person had already been arrested and that police were examining CCTV footage and other video recordings to determine further action.

“The investigation is continuing after examining the available CCTV footage and videos. Further legal action will be taken based on the evidence. The footage shows a person named Naushad entering the police vehicle and engaging in suspicious activity. That aspect is also being investigated,” he said.

The SP warned against attempts to give the incident a communal colour and appealed to the public not to believe rumours.

“Legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to communalise the incident. A peace meeting has been convened, and legal action will be taken if anyone attempts to enforce a bandh on Tuesday,” he said.

The incident, which began as a dispute over a damaged document, has now developed into a wider political and communal controversy in Puttur, prompting the police to issue a strong warning against any attempt to disturb communal harmony and public order.