Mangaluru: The Bajpe Police have registered two separate cases involving alleged moral policing by two youths and illegal transportation of beef by another individual, following an incident reported from Malali Narlapadavi Road within the Bajpe police station limits. Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H confirmed the details on Saturday, stating that the police have taken suo motu cognisance of the matter based on preliminary investigation and statements recorded.
According to the police, Abdul Sattar Mullarpatna was travelling on a motorcycle along with his 11-year-old daughter when the incident occurred. The duo were allegedly carrying 19 kg of beef without any valid documents. While proceeding along Malali Narlapadavi Road, they were allegedly intercepted by two youths travelling in a Tata Sumo vehicle.
Girl injured after motorcycle intercepted
Commissioner Reddy said the two accused have been identified as Sumit Bhandari (21) and Rajat Naik (30), residents of Yedapadavu. The police alleged that the duo blocked the motorcycle’s path using their vehicle, leading to a confrontation.
“During the incident, the motorcycle reportedly fell to the ground. The minor girl sustained burn injuries on her leg after coming into contact with the hot silencer,” the Commissioner said. Abdul Sattar allegedly fled the scene following the confrontation, while local residents rushed the injured child to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The girl’s condition is said to be stable, and she is currently under medical care.
Girl’s statement recorded at hospital
Police recorded the statement of the injured girl at the hospital. In her statement, she reportedly alleged that the two youths stopped their motorcycle and assaulted her father with their hands during the confrontation.
Based on her statement and preliminary findings, Sumit Bhandari and Rajat Naik were summoned to the Bajpe police station for questioning. The two accused were interrogated separately as part of the investigation.
Accused gave conflicting statements
During the enquiry, Rajat Naik, who works as a medical representative, claimed that the duo were travelling to deliver medicines to a clinic. However, when the police verified this claim, the concerned doctor reportedly denied receiving any medicines from them.
The Commissioner said that the accused also provided contradictory versions during questioning. “They claimed they were heading to a temple, but when questioned separately, they failed to specify which temple they were going to,” he said. These inconsistencies raised further suspicion, prompting the police to proceed with formal cases.
Suo motu case on beef transportation
Based on the facts of the incident, the Bajpe Police have registered a suo motu case against Abdul Sattar for transporting beef without proper bills or documents. During the investigation, police seized 19 kg of beef, which was packed in 35 separate packets.
It was also found that Sattar had allegedly been delivering beef regularly in the area. However, police said further verification is required to establish the supply chain and source of the meat.
“Once Sattar is caught, the police will be able to ascertain from where he was procuring the beef,” Commissioner Reddy said, adding that efforts are on to trace him.
Moral policing case registered against youths
In addition to the beef transportation case, the police have registered an FIR against Sumit Bhandari and Rajat Naik on charges related to moral policing. The Commissioner clarified that the investigation is still at a preliminary stage and that police are yet to conclusively confirm whether the duo had physically assaulted Abdul Sattar.
The seized Tata Sumo vehicle and other relevant materials are being examined as part of the probe.
Action against misinformation
Commissioner Reddy also warned against the spread of misinformation regarding the incident. He said a separate case would be booked against those found circulating false or misleading information related to the matter on social media or other platforms.
“The police will take strict action against anyone attempting to disturb public peace by spreading false news,” he said.
Conclusion
The Bajpe Police have intensified their investigation into both the alleged moral policing incident and the illegal transportation of beef. While cases have been registered against all parties involved, the police have reiterated that further action will be based on evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation. Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.