Defamatory banner in Puttur: Alleged police brutality against arrested youth

Puttur Police have been accused of brutality against nine youths arrested in connection with putting up a defamatory banner featuring former Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and MP and state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel.

Disappointed over losing the Hindu bastion of Puttur, ”aggrieved Hindu workers” of the constituency had put up the banner offering ”respectful homage” to the two leaders, who they consider as those responsible for denying a seat to Hindutva activist Arun Kumar Puthila, who contested as an independent in the segment, leading to BJP’s loss.

The arrested youth are said to be party cadres of the BJP and Municipal Council. They had been taken in for questioning and were allegedly assaulted by the police.

Photos and videos of the arrested youth with injuries and walking with a limp while coming out of the Puttur DySP office have gone viral on social media.

It is gathered that these youth had campaigned for a non-party candidate during the recently held election. People have expressed outrage over the same and alleged police brutality under the pretext of arrest owing to the pressure of a few influential people in the district.

BJP had faced a rebellion from its own cadre in Puttur who revolted against the party ignoring Puthila for the seat. The election turned out to be a close contest between Puthila and Rai, with the latter ultimately recording victory.