On Saturday, a protest took place at Farangipete Junction, urging both the police and government to take swift action regarding the case of missing Diganth. In a show of unity, local businesses and shops remained closed in support of the cause. Diganth, a resident of Kidebettu near Farangipete, disappeared on February 25 after leaving his home to visit Anjaneya Temple, following his return from college. He never returned, leaving his family and the community in distress.
As frustration grew due to the lack of progress in the investigation, residents organized the protest to demand immediate intervention. Several prominent BJP leaders, including MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, visited the scene and engaged with the protesters. Chowta emphasized the urgent need for stringent legal actions to address the growing drug-related issues in the area. Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja assured the crowd that he would raise the matter in the legislative assembly.
Mangaluru City North MLA Y Bharath Shetty highlighted the importance of tackling anti-social activities, while Mangaluru City South MLA Vedavyas Kamath linked the incident to the deteriorating law and order under the Congress government. MLC Kishore Kumar condemned the police’s slow response when Diganth’s family first reported his disappearance and criticized the unchecked drug mafia in the region. Dakshina Kannada BJP district president Satish Kumpala warned that the protests would escalate if no resolution was reached within two days.