Mangaluru: The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has strongly condemned the actions of BJP leader and former corporator Vijaykumar Shetty, who allegedly harassed a disabled street vendor, Chandrahas Poojary, in Mangaluru. The incident, which unfolded near Padil Main Road, has sparked widespread outrage.
Chandrahas Poojary, a 75% disabled man who has been selling flowers at a street stall for the past five to six years, has been living a self-reliant life despite his disability. With both of his legs weak and unable to walk, Poojary has continued his street vending work to support himself. However, recently, he faced harassment allegedly at the hands of Vijaykumar Shetty and his followers.
According to reports, Shetty accused Poojary of extorting money under the false guise of being associated with the former corporator and his followers. Chandrahas Poojary reportedly faced mental harassment and was pressurised to vacate his stall. The situation escalated when Shetty’s supporters allegedly came to Poojary’s stall, demanding money in Shetty’s name. In an attempt to raise awareness, Poojary recorded a video detailing the harassment and shared it on social media.
The matter further intensified when BJP leaders reportedly dragged Poojary to the local police station, accusing him of being involved in a matka gambling case and threatening him with life-endangering consequences.
The DYFI condemned these actions, calling them an unnecessary attempt to threaten and intimidate an innocent, disabled street vendor. The organisation has called on the police to take strict legal action against Vijaykumar Shetty and his supporters for their role in the harassment.
The DYFI delegation, which visited Poojary’s stall to understand the situation, expressed their solidarity with the disabled vendor. Leaders including Santosh Bajal, Jagadish Bajal, Deepak Bajal, and Varaprasad were present to support the cause. They also warned that if such harassment continues, the DYFI would stand by Chandrahas Poojary and fight for justice on his behalf.