Mangaluru: A case has been registered at the Ullal police station against Madani Nagar resident Junaid and ten others for allegedly confronting Karnataka Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader, pushing aside his security personnel, and questioning him over the construction of the Koragajja circle at Kuthar Junction in Ullal.

The First Information Report (FIR) was filed based on a complaint lodged by Mohammed Yaseen Inamdar, a staff member attached to the CSR security unit and personal security officer of the Speaker. The complaint names 11 accused persons, including Junaid, in connection with the incident that reportedly took place on the night of May 7.

Confrontation near Kuthar Junction

According to the complaint, the incident occurred at around 10 pm on Thursday, May 7, when Speaker Khader was returning after attending a private function at a resort in Mastikatte, Ullal. As the Speaker’s convoy was proceeding through the area, Junaid and ten others from Madani Nagar allegedly attempted to approach him.

The complainant stated that security personnel Mohammed Yaseen stopped the group from meeting the Speaker, citing the late hour and security concerns. However, the accused allegedly ignored the instructions and pushed aside the security officer before moving towards Khader.

The FIR alleges that the group confronted the Speaker in a loud and aggressive manner regarding the ongoing dispute over the Koragajja circle being developed at Kuthar Junction. The complainant further alleged that videos of the confrontation were later circulated widely on social media platforms with objectionable captions, intensifying public discussion around the issue.

Based on directions from senior officials, Mohammed Yaseen submitted a formal complaint at the Ullal police station on May 9, following which police registered a case and began further investigation.

Koragajja circle issue sparks debate

The controversy revolves around the redevelopment of a circle associated with Koragajja at Kuthar Junction. Years ago, a local Bajrang Dal organisation had reportedly constructed a small structure at the junction featuring symbolic representations linked to Koragajja, a revered spirit deity worshipped in the coastal belt of Karnataka.

The structure had served as a landmark for devotees travelling to the well-known Koragajja shrine from different parts of the state. However, the old structure is currently being removed as part of a redevelopment initiative, and a new circle is being constructed by Nitte Deemed to be University.

The redevelopment has triggered objections from a section of Muslims residing in Madani Nagar in Kuthar, who reportedly raised concerns over the construction of a circle in the name of Koragajja in the locality. The issue has since evolved into a subject of public and political discussion in Dakshina Kannada district.

Viral videos raise security concerns

Videos showing the group confronting Speaker Khader soon went viral across social media platforms, drawing strong reactions from various sections of the public. The incident also sparked debate regarding the adequacy of security arrangements provided to constitutional authorities during public movements and private visits.

Political observers noted that the confrontation has added a fresh layer of tension to an already sensitive local issue involving religious sentiments and community perceptions. Police sources indicated that they are examining the viral videos as part of the investigation to identify the role of each accused person mentioned in the complaint.

At present, authorities have not officially confirmed whether notices have been issued to all the accused individuals. Further legal action is expected based on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry and review of digital evidence related to the case.

Police continue investigation

Police officials said the matter is being investigated from both security and law-and-order perspectives. Investigators are likely to record statements from eyewitnesses, members of the Speaker’s security team, and local residents familiar with the dispute over the Koragajja circle.

The incident has once again highlighted the sensitivity of local cultural and religious issues in coastal Karnataka, where even civic development projects can quickly attract wider social and political attention. Authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation in the coming days to prevent any escalation or communal tension in the region.