Puttur: BJP leader Arun Kumar Puthila and 25 to 30 others have been booked by the Puttur Town Police for allegedly blocking a road and disrupting vehicular and public movement while protesting over the poor condition of a road at Mayangala in Narimogaru village.
The case relates to a road blockade staged on the Purusharakatte–Shantigodu–Anadka route on the morning of July 27, 2026, where the protesters allegedly demanded immediate repairs to the damaged stretch.
Police respond to road blockade
According to the police, Puttur Town Police Sub-Inspector Suresh C.T. received information that a group of people had assembled on the road and were obstructing the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Acting on the information, the officer, accompanied by police personnel, visited the spot to assess the situation.
During the inspection, police found that Arun Kumar Puthila, along with Manish Kulal, Avinash Jogi, Premaraj, Prateek Puthila, Shriram Pathala, Umesh Kodibailu, Anil Tenkila, Ravikumar Rai, Jagadish Rai and Prashanth Nekkiladi, and around 25 to 30 other persons, had allegedly gathered at the location without obtaining prior permission.
Protest over road repairs
Police said the group allegedly blocked the road to press for the repair of the Mayangala road stretch, which they claimed was in poor condition.
The blockade reportedly disrupted traffic movement and caused inconvenience to commuters and local residents using the route.
Officials alleged that the protest affected the free movement of vehicles and the public, prompting police intervention to restore normal traffic flow.
Case registered under BNS
Based on the findings, the Puttur Town Police registered a criminal case against the accused.
The case has been registered as Crime No. 93/2026 under Sections 189(2) and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, for allegedly obstructing public movement and related offences.
Police said the investigation is continuing to ascertain the role of all those involved in the road blockade.
Investigation underway
Officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the protest and verifying the participation of those present at the site.
Further legal action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and the evidence collected during the probe.
The case comes amid continuing public concerns over road infrastructure in parts of Dakshina Kannada, where residents have repeatedly sought timely maintenance of damaged roads. However, police have maintained that demonstrations affecting public movement require prior permission and must be conducted in accordance with the law.