Karnataka clash over moral policing

Puttur (Karnataka), Mar 18 (ANI): Violent clashes erupted between two groups in Puttur region, about 55 kilometres from Mangalore over moral policing by Bajrang Dal activists.

A group of students from a training institute in Mangalore were in Puttur on a project work while they were questioned by suspected activists of Bajrang Dal, and forcibly taken off the bus.

Activists allegedly took the students to the nearest police station.

A regional outfit named Karnataka Forum for Dignity (KFD) objected the action taken by Bajrang Dal activists, ensuing a clash.

Police had to resort to baton charge in order to control the activists of both the outfits who were pelting stones at each other.

"Three boys travelling in a bus were brought down and then assaulted. After the assault, police immediately reached the spot and brought the boys to the police station. Immediately, thereafter, there was a gathering in front of police station, around 200 people gathered and there was a likelihood of some kind of skirmish, so immediately we baton charged," said Subramanishewar Rao, Superintendent of Police, Mangalore.

About five shops and a few vehicles were damaged in the clashes.

Reports said Bajrang Dal activists took exception to the male students travelling with women teachers.

Earlier, Sri Ram Sene was blamed for attacking women in a bar in Mangalore in January. (ANI)