Udupi: Several members of the Udupi District Youth Congress were taken into preventive police custody on Thursday, July 30, after they attempted to lay siege to the office of BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna over his alleged remarks during a BJP protest held on July 28.
The demonstration was organised amid growing political tensions in the district, with Congress leaders demanding action against the MLA over the statements he allegedly made during the earlier protest. Police stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating and maintained tight security in the area.
Protest staged near Jodukatte
The Youth Congress workers assembled near Jodukatte and staged a protest against Yashpal Suvarna, raising slogans condemning the MLA for his alleged remarks.
The protest was part of the Congress party’s continuing campaign against the BJP legislator, with party workers alleging that his statements during the July 28 protest were derogatory and provocative.
As the demonstrators attempted to march towards the MLA’s office, police personnel blocked their path to prevent any breach of peace.
Preventive detention by police
Police intervened before the protesters could reach the MLA’s office and took several Youth Congress members into preventive custody.
Officials said the action was taken purely as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and to prevent any untoward incidents.
The detained protesters were later shifted to a nearby police station, where they were held briefly before further action was taken in accordance with established procedures.
BJP workers gather in support of MLA
Following the Youth Congress demonstration, BJP workers gathered near the office of MLA Yashpal Suvarna and raised slogans condemning the Congress.
The presence of workers from both political parties heightened tensions in the area, prompting the police to deploy additional personnel and maintain a close vigil.
Officers ensured that supporters of the Congress and the BJP remained separated to avoid any direct confrontation.
Tight security maintained
Police maintained strict security arrangements throughout the protest and monitored the situation until both groups dispersed peacefully.
Officials said the preventive detention of the Youth Congress workers helped avert any possible law-and-order issues and ensured that the protests concluded without any violence.
The incident comes amid an ongoing political row over the alleged remarks made by Yashpal Suvarna during the BJP protest on July 28, which has drawn criticism from the Congress and led to protests and legal complaints against the MLA.