BJP, Hindu activists protest in Bhatkal over alleged assault on activist by SP

Bhatkal: Tension prevailed in Bhatkal late Tuesday night after BJP leaders and activists of pro-Hindu organizations staged a protest, blocking the national highway and later besieging the Bhatkal Town Police Station. The protest was in response to allegations that Superintendent of Police (SP) M. Narayan had called a Hindu organization activist to the Sirsi Town Police Station under the pretext of questioning and physically assaulted him.

The activist, Srinivas Naik, an auto driver from Hanuman Nagar in Bhatkal, was taken to Sirsi by Bhatkal police earlier in the day. Naik is reportedly facing six criminal cases and had been exiled from the area during the previous Lok Sabha elections. Protesters claimed that SP M. Narayan, who was present in Sirsi for a parade of rowdy sheeters, assaulted Naik at the Sirsi police station during questioning.

Following the alleged incident, Srinivas Naik was admitted to Bhatkal Government Hospital. News of the incident sparked strong reactions from BJP leaders and activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other organizations, who quickly mobilized at the Bhatkal Town Police Station.

The protesters demanded an explanation from SP M. Narayan and called for his immediate apology. Among those leading the protest was former BJP MLA Sunil Naik. Bhatkal DySP Mahesh M.K. was present at the police station and engaged with the protestors to maintain law and order.

Police are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident or the allegations made against the SP.