Solo protest trend continues: Another youth holds protest in front of MCC demanding safer roads

Mangaluru: The recent death of Athish in a pothole-related incident has raised attention towards the deplorable condition of roads in Mangaluru. The chain of solo protest continued for the second day with another youth went on a silent protest in front of the Mangaluru City Corporation building in Lalbagh, on Friday, August 12, demanding better roads and also justice for Athish.

On Friday, a law student named Shane held a placard in a show of solidarity towards Athish. He was holding a placard that read “We want roads, not holes”.

This is the second such protest in two days. On Thursday, another youth Likith Rai had grabbed the attention of passersby to the plight of motorists on roads in Mangaluru. He held a placard that read “Justice for Athish Mangalore needs  ‘Road Suraksha Bandhan’ #PotholeSeAzaadi”

Rai had said he lost his dear friend Athish (20), a resident of Konchadi in a road accident last Friday. As it was raining, Athish did not notice a pothole on the highway near Kandettu Cross. When he tried to dodge the pothole at the last moment, he lost control of the scooter and hit the divider.

Athish sustained severe injuries after his head hit the divider and he died on the way to the hospital, he added.

Rai said he wanted to express the pain of losing a friend through the silent protest.