Putturu  :  The photo of Savarkar drew flak and SDPI workers stopped the Swatantrya ratha for replacing Savarkar’s photo with Tipu Sulthan. This created tension at the gram panchayat premises for some time.

As gram panchayat president Vinay Kumar flagged off the vehicle and slogans were raised in favour of India, the SDPI workers stalled the vehicle. The SDPI workers entered into an argument and shouted slogans against the gram panchayat. Gram Panchayat President and PDO tried to persuade the protesters to stop the protest. However, they were adamant and demanded to replace the photo of Savarkar with that of Tipu Sulthan. The police rushed to the spot and dispersed the crowd.

A case has been registered in Puttur town police station following the complaint by Kabaka Gram Panchayat authorities alleging disruption to Independence Day celebrations.

Condemning the incident, Minister for Social Welfare and Backward Classes Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary said that SDPI workers tried to create ruckus over the photo of Savarkar in Swatantrya ratha in Kabaka. The issue has already been brought to the notice of the BJP state president and minister. “We will not allow Taliban culture in Dakshina Kannada. The government should initiate strict action against those who tried to create ruckus.”

Puttur MLA Sanjeeva Matandoor, who came to know about the incident visited Kabaka gram panchayat and condemned the act of SDPI workers and instructed police to arrest them immediately.

As a precautionary measure, the police had stepped up security in the area. Additional SP Dr Shivakumar visited Puttur and collected information on the incident. Meanwhile, VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders have submitted a memorandum to Home Minister demanding to arrest the miscreants under sedition charges. Though SDPI had scheduled a protest condemning the move, it was cancelled later.

DK SP Rishikesh Sonawane said that three persons K Ajeej (43), Shameer (40) and Abdul Rahiman (34) have been arrested following the incident and remanded in judicial custody.