A formal complaint has been lodged at the Mangaluru East Police Station against Sharan Pumpwell following incidents of disruption and stone pelting targeting government buses on May 2 in various parts of the city.

As per an official statement from the police, Sharan Pumpwell had convened a press interaction inside the premises of AJ Hospital in Kuntikana, falling under the jurisdiction of Mangaluru East, around 12:50 am on May 2. During this media briefing, he declared a district-wide shutdown (bandh) in Dakshina Kannada from 6 am to 6 pm and made remarks considered inflammatory in nature.

Despite the bandh call, vehicular traffic continued largely uninterrupted, and the general public did not respond en masse to the shutdown. However, a number of commercial establishments remained shut, contributing to a partial halt in routine city activity.

Soon after his press address, some individuals reportedly linked to Pumpwell allegedly attacked state-run buses by hurling stones in several localities. These acts triggered fear and led to damage of public property, disturbing the social fabric and causing communal tension.

In response, the Mangaluru East Police filed an FIR against Sharan Pumpwell. The case, numbered 75/2025, invokes provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including sections 353(2), 196(1)(b), 49, 324(2)(4)(5), addressing obstruction of public duty, unlawful incitement, and violent conduct.

Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the full extent of the damages and identify other individuals involved.