Pub attack case: 25 out of 30 acquitted

Mangaluru: As many as 25 out of the 30 accused in the infamous pub attack that occurred on the evening of January 24, 2009 in Mangaluru have been acquitted on Monday, March 12.

Expressing his happiness regarding the verdict, Pramod Muthalik, chief of the Sri Rama Sene, at a press meet held here at the Arya Samaj Bhavan on March 12 said, “Truth was victorious today and our beliefs have been held true.”

He said that they condemn the violence that was perpetrated on that day but, clarified that the incident occurred as a result of the negligence by the authorities even after repeated complaints against illegal activities going on at the establishment.

He added that they are still against the pub culture and would continue their campaign for the reformation of the society and bringing back the Hindu culture.

He stated that among the witnesses present at the hearing, the victims of the violence were not present.

Taking a jibe at both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party, Muthalik said that he was targeted and tortured for political vendetta and to prevent the public from joining Hindu organisations. All this, he claims, has caused him immense economical and mental trauma.

He added that he was mulling on filing a defamation case against the BJP and the Congress for the inconvenience caused.

He also criticised the various English news media for labeling him a ‘violent goon’.

A total of 30 individuals were accused in the case, many of whom belonged to right wing groups. Advocates Asha Nayak and Vinod argued in favour of the defendants, and Judge Manjunath heard the case at the third JMFC court here as the case was transferred from the second court due to the vacancy of the judge’s seat.

It can be recalled that on the evening of January 24, 2009, a gang of men barged into a local pub, Amnesia-The Lounge, in Balmatta, and attacked a few people including girls citing that such places and activities were harming Indian culture.

The unfortunate incident put Mangaluru in poor light and made headlines in the country and overseas, sparking worldwide outrage and criticism. Pramod Muthalik, chief of the Sri Rama Sene was among those accused.

K T Naveen innocent

Meanwhile, Muthalik announced that KT Naveen whose name is linked to Gauri Lankesh murder case is innocent. He said that Naveen has been imprisoned without any credible evidence and added that the Sri Rama Sene will continue to work for his release.

He accused the state Congress government of indulging in political gimmicks by imprisoning the innocent Hindu activists.

Future political plans

When asked if he would ally with the BJP for the upcoming assembly elections, Muthalik said that the Sri Rama Sene would form a coalition with the Shiv Sena.