Mangaluru: The controversy surrounding the Kateel ration shop, which sparked outrage after a viral video over “sack charges” surfaced, has now escalated into a series of press conferences with both parties trading serious allegations.

Recently, fair price shop operator Deepa Nayak, along with the Ration Distributors Association, addressed the media and accused local resident Satish—who shot and circulated the viral video—of defaming her. She also released her own video version of the incident.

In response, Satish and his family held a counter press conference at the Press Club in Mangalore on Friday, where they defended their actions and accused the ration shop of malpractices.

Satish’s allegations

  • When he and his mother visited the Kateel shop, Rs 50 was allegedly demanded for a gunny bag along with ration rice.

  • Upon questioning, Satish claimed Deepa threatened him saying, “If you talk anymore, I will cancel your ration card.”

  • Officials, when called to the spot, later clarified the government order on the sack issue, he said.

  • Satish alleged irregularities in weighing rice, with 50 kg bags sometimes containing only 47–48 kg.

  • Customers who wished to use their own bags were allegedly compelled to buy the sacks provided at an extra charge.

  • He further accused the shop of selling ration rice illegally in the early hours of the morning.

    • He also raised safety concerns about the shop’s location at a busy three-road junction, citing a past accident, and suggested that the shop be merged with a cooperative society for better service.

    “Why should I apologize?”

    Rejecting Deepa’s demand for an apology, Satish said:
    “I will apologize only if I have done wrong. This is not a personal fight, but a fight for people’s rights.”

    He also demanded the installation of CCTV cameras at the shop to expose alleged irregularities.

    Family’s statement

    Satish’s brother Vijay alleged that after the video went viral, police pressured them to delete it from social media and obtain a written statement. He accused the shop of trying to use influence to suppress the issue.

    Family members Devaki and Meenakshi were also present at the press conference and supported the allegations.

    Background

    The issue began when a video recorded by Satish, showing the alleged demand for sack charges at the Kateel fair price shop, spread widely on social media. The shop operator, Deepa Nayak, countered with her own press conference, calling the allegations false and politically motivated.

    With both sides standing firm, the “Kateel sack row” continues to spark public debate about transparency and accountability in the functioning of ration shops.