Mangaluru, Jun 24: A case has been registered at Kankanady police station against a landowner who assaulted a lawyer and attempted to molest his wife after the lawyer posted a video on social media about the poor condition of the road. Following the incident, the landowner was beaten up by the public.
The accused, identified as Robert Valerian Mendonca alias Valerian alias Valli, a resident of Jeppinamogaru, attacked lawyer Jayaprakash and his wife, Swathi. Jayaprakash is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Mangaluru.
The dispute arose when Valerian dug up a road, leading to severe inconvenience for residents who had to wade through knee-deep water to reach their homes during the rainy season. Despite the ongoing issue, no action was taken. Jayaprakash filmed an elderly woman struggling on the flooded road and posted it on social media, criticizing local corporator Veena Mangala. The video went viral and prompted the mayor to urge immediate action, leading to the road being repaired with a JCB.
In the evening, Valerian confronted Jayaprakash and the local residents, questioning the social media post. He then assaulted Jayaprakash and allegedly molested his wife, Swathi, when she tried to intervene. Enraged by the incident, the local residents collectively beat up Valerian. The video of the public beating has also gone viral. A case has been registered against Valerian under IPC sections 506, 504, 323, 324, and 354.
Counter Complaint
In a counter-complaint, Robert Valerian Mendonca claimed that Jayaprakash, along with Ramachandra, Jayaprakash’s brother, Swathi, and Herbert D’Souza, assaulted him near the disputed land.
