Mangaluru: A video clip circulating on social media sparked controversy over the alleged use of a police vehicle by protesters during the recent demonstration against the Waqf Amendment Act near Sha Garden Grounds, Adyar Kannur. In response, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal issued a formal clarification to set the record straight.

The commissioner explained that the vehicle in question was not used by any protester. Instead, it was urgently deployed to transport a 16-year-old boy to the hospital after he sustained a serious injury in a road accident shortly after the protest concluded.

The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. when a Tempo Traveller, reportedly driven rashly and negligently, struck the teenager, crushing his right foot. The accident took place near Adyar Garden, where the protest had recently ended.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) from the traffic sub-division, who had arrived from Padil for traffic duty, exited her vehicle near the venue’s main gate. After the event, she instructed her driver, Bairegowda, to proceed towards the city via Adyar Katte. Due to barricades in place, the vehicle was rerouted towards the Sahyadri side.

At that time, two female police personnel, along with the injured boy’s companions, requested the use of the police vehicle to rush him to a private hospital. Considering the heavy traffic congestion on National Highway-73, the decision was made immediately to ensure timely medical aid.

Commissioner Agrawal emphasized that providing emergency assistance during the “golden hour” is a key responsibility of the police force. He praised the officers’ actions as both appropriate and essential.

Meanwhile, a police staffer named Anand apprehended the Tempo Traveller’s driver and handed him over to the South Traffic Police. A case has been filed, and investigations are underway.

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