Molestation incident at Ramzan market in Bhatkal: Youths clash with police

Bhatkal: Police have registered a case against five persons for allegedly obstructing cops from discharging their duty and pelting stones at the police jeep in Bhatkal here.

Reportedly a person named Chandra Somayya Gond of Hadlur molested a young lady at the Ramzan market organised here last night. Angered by this few youths confronted him and an argument ensued.

Police who noticed the chaos tried to diffuse the situation and asked the accused Chandra and one of his confronters, Mohammad Meeran to come to the station in their jeep. However, at the time several persons gathered at the spot, obstructed the jeep, and began pelting stones thus causing damage to it, sources said.

The cops alerted other police persons and the accused were taken to the station. Three persons were taken into custody at night, five others were arrested later. A case has been booked against several people and police vigil heightened to prevent any untoward incident.

Ramzan Market organised without a permit: A local councillor had urged the authorities not to issue permits for Ramzan market as the model code of conduct is in force due to the upcoming elections. Members of the public alleged that there was no permit issued for the Ramzan market by the municipality, however, a few people allowed the market to be organised following an internal agreement with the intent of making money.

The Ramzan market witnessed a huge footfall for the past several days but neither the police officials nor those on election duty took any action. The public has demanded that a proper investigation be conducted against those who made an internal agreement to set up the market.