Dispute Over Damaged Document Leads to Scuffle, Police Lathi-Charge in Puttur

Mangaluru: An argument between two groups over a damaged document at a Janaseva Kendra in Puttur’s Darbe area led to scuffle. Police resorted to lathi-charge as a large crowd gathered at the spot. Three cases have been registered in connection with the incident.

The incident began at Dream Destination Janaseva Kendra, where Fathimath Miswan, a resident of Jalsoor in Sullia, had given some documents for printing and lamination after coming to Puttur with her brother and sister.

According to the complaint filed by her, one of the documents was damaged when she returned to collect them. She allegedly objected to this and asked the centre either to rectify the document or pay Rs 300 towards getting a new one.

The complaint stated an argument followed, during which the two persons at the centre, Anjana Pai and Sudarshan Pai, allegedly abused her. Sudarshan Pai allegedly assaulted Miswan and her siblings and threatened them, according to the complaint. The three were later taken to Puttur Government Hospital for treatment.

Based on Miswan’s complaint, Puttur Town police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and arrested Sudarshan Pai. He was produced before a court, which remanded him in judicial custody till September 2.

Meanwhile Anjana S Pai, who runs the Janaseva Kendra filed a complaint that a document submitted by a woman for lamination had been damaged due to a technical problem. She said she was informed by the staff that a woman was creating a disturbance at the centre and immediately went there.

Anjana Pai alleged that two women and a man were arguing at the centre and demanding either the documents or Rs 10,000. She said she tried to pacify them, but they allegedly attempted to record a video, abused and assaulted her, while another person allegedly threatened her.

Based on her complaint, police registered a case against Fathimath Miswan, Mubashira, Mubarish and Naushad under relevant sections of the BNS.

Meanwhile, a large number of people gathered outside the centre as news of the altercation spread. Puttur Town Police Inspector Johnson D'Souza and his staff reached the spot after receiving information about the gathering.

Police said that while they were trying to disperse the crowd, some persons obstructed them from discharging their duties. When police were taking some persons to the station in connection with the altercation, Niyaz, Naushad and others allegedly prevented them from doing so.

A third case was registered in this connection under relevant sections of the BNS.

Police said the crowd was asked to leave in the interest of maintaining law and order. As some of them did not disperse, police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to clear the area.

Naushad, a resident of Chikkamudnoor in Puttur, had earlier been booked at Puttur Town police station under various sections of the BNS. In connection with the incident, police have registered a suo motu case against him.

Police said they were examining videos of the incident and verifying whether any other cases were pending against those involved. Further legal action would be taken based on the findings, they said.

Meanwhile, police denied allegations that a constable who had taken part in the lathi-charge was under the influence of alcohol. The constable was later posted on duty near the hospital where the complainants and counter-complainants were receiving treatment.

Some people at the hospital had allegedly accused the constable of consuming alcohol. Police said he was subjected to an alcoholmeter test, which confirmed that he had not consumed alcohol.

Police also said no assault had taken place on personnel who were on duty.

The two sides have also raised objections over the arrests. The complainant in the first case has questioned why Anjana Pai, whom she named as one of the accused, had not been arrested. Similarly, the complainant in the counter-case has questioned why Naushad, whom she accused of assaulting her son Sudarshan Pai, had not been arrested.

Police said the investigating officers would examine both objections and take appropriate legal action based on the evidence.

The Inspector of Puttur Town police station has also been directed to examine CCTV footage from the hospital as part of the investigation.

Police have appealed to anyone having additional information or documents related to the incident to submit them directly to the Puttur Town police station.