Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada police have appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours over a recent incident at a digital service centre in Puttur, which began with a technical issue involving a lamination machine but has subsequently been portrayed through a communal lens.
Police said the original dispute arose after a malfunction in the lamination machine damaged a customer’s document. The matter could have been resolved amicably or taken to the police, consumer forum or another appropriate legal authority, they said.
However, the disagreement allegedly escalated into a physical altercation, following which the incident generated tension and social media discussions.
Dispute began over damaged document
According to the police, the incident started when a technical problem with the lamination machine resulted in damage to a customer’s document.
The customer allegedly became aggressive towards a worker at the digital service centre. Shop owner Akshatha subsequently became involved in the altercation, police said.
During the incident, Sudarshan Pai allegedly assaulted another individual who was attempting to record the proceedings on a mobile phone.
Police said video footage of the incident is available and provides evidence regarding the sequence of events and the individuals involved.
The authorities have stressed that the investigation will be based on the available evidence rather than claims and narratives circulating on social media.
Police investigating events near vehicle
Police said the situation remained tense even after Sudarshan Pai was taken into custody.
According to the police, some individuals continued to behave aggressively near the police vehicle. Naushad was allegedly seen close to the vehicle, bending inside it and apparently doing something.
The exact circumstances surrounding this part of the incident are being investigated.
Sudarshan Pai’s father, Sadhashiv Pai, was also present inside the police vehicle and will be questioned as part of the investigation.
Police said his statement, along with video footage and other available evidence, would help establish the sequence of events and determine the actions of those present.
Previous cases of some accused revealed
The police also disclosed that some individuals connected with the incident have previous criminal cases registered against them.
According to the police, Sudarshan Pai has previous cases, including one relating to an attempt to murder and another concerning drug peddling.
Naushad has a previous hurt case linked to a road-rage incident, while Sadhashiv Pai also has a hurt case in connection with a road-rage incident.
Police further said two other individuals who had gathered near the shop have one previous case each.
However, the police made it clear that the criminal antecedents of the individuals would not determine the action taken in the present case.
Action to be based on current evidence
Police said any arrest or other legal action would be based strictly on evidence connected to the present incident and the relevant provisions of law.
Responding to demands for the arrest of Naushad, Niyaz, Akshatha Rai, Sadhashiva Rai and others who were present at the scene, the police said anyone found to have committed an offence would face action irrespective of their religion, community or social identity.
“Arrest and other legal action have to be based on facts, evidence and the requirements of law. Police cannot be compelled to arrest an individual merely because of public or communal pressure,” the police said.
The authorities stressed that previous cases cannot be treated as proof of involvement in the current incident.
They said the investigation must establish the role of each individual based on evidence before any further legal action is taken.
Warning against communal narratives
The police expressed concern that certain vested interests could be attempting to portray the incident through a communal lens and create tension between communities.
The authorities urged people not to believe or circulate unverified information relating to the incident.
They specifically appealed to the public to refrain from forwarding rumours, inflammatory statements, unverified social media posts and misleading narratives.
Police said such material could create unnecessary tension and disturb public peace while also interfering with the investigation.
People who have genuine concerns about the incident have been asked to approach the authorities directly and submit any relevant facts or evidence in their possession.
Police said they were prepared to examine all relevant information and evidence to address misunderstandings and establish the facts.
Peace committee meeting scheduled
As part of efforts to maintain peace and address concerns surrounding the incident, a peace committee meeting has been scheduled at the Puttur SDPO office at 5 pm.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for representatives and members of the public to discuss their concerns and seek clarification from the authorities.
Police have reiterated their appeal for cooperation from all sections of society while the investigation continues.
The authorities have maintained that the incident originated as a dispute over a damaged document and that the subsequent developments should be assessed strictly on the basis of evidence.
They have also warned that attempts to give the incident a communal dimension could have serious consequences for public harmony.
The police appeal comes amid heightened discussion of the incident on social media, where competing claims and demands for arrests have emerged.
By emphasising evidence-based investigation and urging people to approach the authorities with genuine information, police said they aim to prevent rumours and misinformation from escalating tensions.
The authorities have called upon the public to maintain restraint and allow the investigation to establish the facts surrounding the altercation.