An FIR has been lodged against activist Muneer Katipalla for spearheading a protest on November 26, demanding urgent repairs to the Mangaluru-Surathkal Road, completion of the Kulur bridge, and the Nanthoor flyover. Organized by the Surathkal Toll Gate Horata Samithi, the peaceful demonstration took place in Kulur. Katipalla also criticized Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal for denying protest permissions.
In his response, Katipalla remarked, “This FIR targets not just me but everyone voicing public concerns. Under Congress governance, Commissioner Agrawal has adopted dictatorial practices, especially regarding protests against BJP leaders. Despite following peaceful means, we faced police intimidation and last-minute permission denials.”
He highlighted previous instances, such as protests against BJP leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and a pro-Palestine demonstration, both denied permissions and followed by FIRs. “Even now, when protesting poor road conditions under BJP-led central projects, we were silenced. Officers even visited my home to threaten my family,” he added.
Katipalla accused the police of failing to address Mangaluru’s growing crime issues, including gambling and the sand mafia, while suppressing legitimate protests. He demanded the immediate transfer of Commissioner Agrawal and DCP Siddarth Goyal for tarnishing the government’s reputation.
The activist also criticized the double standards, stating, “BJP leaders block roads for events without consequences, but peaceful protests for public demands are penalized. If the government doesn’t act, we’ll escalate our demonstrations.”
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