A large number of people from Kuthethur, Permude and surrounding areas on Tuesday took out rallies condemning attack by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel on a few residents on Sunday night.
The protest was held before the cargo gate of the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL). A contingent of CISF personnel guard MRPL and other installations such as New Mangalore Port, Kudremukh Iron Ore Corporation Limited unit and the Mangalore International Airport.
On Sunday night, CISF personnel went berserk hitting people moving on the Kuthethur Road and damaging nearly five vehicles. Three injured civilians have been admitted to a private hospital in Surathkal. The attack followed incidents of stone throwing on CISF quarters for the last five days. The police said victims of the attack did not have any link with incidents of stone throwing. “We want to know the reason for the unprovoked attack on us,” said Praveen Fernandes, a resident of Kuthethur who was injured in the attack, one of the many people who took part in the protest. The protest started around 8 a.m. and went on till noon. Kuthethur resident George Fernandes said, “We want action against personnel involved in the attack.”
Around 10 a.m. local MLA Mohiuddin Bava visited the place of protest. After discussing with protestors, Mr. Bava and a group of residents met CISF Senior Commandant Anil Bali, who had been sent by the Inspector General CISF (South) to inquire into the incident. Admitting mistake on the part of the personnel, Mr. Bali assured protestors of action against those involved. Assistant Commissioner of Police Ravi Kumar said two complaints filed by victims have been registered.A complaint has also been lodged by a CISF inspector. They are yet to take statements of CISF personnel.