Mangaluru: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has clarified that its members did not display or brandish weapons during Friday’s black flag protest against Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in Mangaluru.
The clarification came after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) reportedly demanded that police register a case against the protesters. SDPI leaders said the demonstration was conducted openly in the presence of the media and denied allegations of displaying weapons.
The SDPI protest was held ahead of the Karnataka Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, with party activists seeking action in connection with the murder of Abdul Rahiman Kolthamajal. Police detained the protesters after they attempted to display black flags to the Chief Minister and ministers.
SDPI rejects allegation of weapons display
Responding to the criticism, SDPI said there was no incident involving weapons during the protest.
“When Paresh Mesta was killed, BJP members had set a police jeep on fire. We did nothing of the sort, nor did we display any weapons,” the organisation said.
SDPI leaders maintained that the protest was held publicly and that the activists did not attempt to conceal their actions.
The organisation also explained the circumstances surrounding a video of the protest that was livestreamed.
According to SDPI, the video lasted around three minutes and was recorded after police detained the protesters. The organisation said the video was intended to reassure its cadres, who were anxious about where the detained activists were being taken.
Protest over Rahiman Kolthamajal case
SDPI activists had gathered in Mangaluru while Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and other ministers were in the city for the state Cabinet meeting.
The protesters displayed black flags and raised slogans seeking justice for Abdul Rahiman Kolthamajal, whose murder case has become a point of contention for the organisation. Reports said SDPI alleged that the government had failed to effectively present its case before the court, following bail granted to one of the accused.
Police intervened and detained the protesters at the demonstration site.
The protest was among several demonstrations held in Mangaluru on Friday ahead of the Cabinet meeting. Members of the Mangaluru Bar Association and CPM also held separate protests and were detained by police.
Riyaz Kadambu questions alleged lack of FIR
SDPI leader Riyaz Kadambu said there was no need to unnecessarily escalate the issue surrounding the protest.
He also questioned why an FIR had allegedly not been registered against Pratap Simha Nayak and Bajrang Dal leader S I Dhananjaya despite alleged threats made by them.
Kadambu’s comments come amid separate controversy surrounding remarks attributed to Pratap Simha and a police inspector named Dhananjaya in connection with the Ganesh procession issue in T Narasipura. Reports have carried claims about remarks and counter-allegations involving the two sides.
SDPI said the focus should remain on the issues raised through its protest rather than on the short video recorded after its members were detained.
Police had detained protesters
The black flag demonstration took place as the state government held its first Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru. Reports said SDPI activists gathered near Rao and Rao Circle and attempted to display black flags to the Chief Minister and ministers.
Police personnel deployed at the location detained the protesters.
The clarification by SDPI now adds another dimension to the dispute, with the organisation rejecting allegations of weapons being displayed and defending the recording of the protest.