CPI demands withdrawal of case against Vittala

CPI demands withdrawal of case against Vittala

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 18, 2012: The Communist Part of India, Udupi and DK district committee, protested against the unfair treatment meted to Vittala Malekudiya, student of mass communication and journalism, and his father, at a protest meeting held in front of the DC’s office on May 18, Friday. 

The protestors urged the state government to withdraw the false case registered against Vittala and his father. 

CPI leader B. V. Kakkilaya said that the Anti Naxal Force (ANF) had arrested Vittala and his father for alleged links with Naxals. He accused the police of violating the human rights of Vittala by taking him to the exam hall in handcuffs. 

Stating that several tribes live in the thick forests of Chattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, he said that the government is trying to drive these people out of the forests to cut down trees, build large factories, produce electricity, and develop tourist hotspots. Tribes that cannot imagine life outside nature are now facing serious problems, he said. 

He accused the ANF and the police department of organizing illegal groups to harass tribal women and threaten the tribes to force them to vacate the land. When they refuse to leave, the government has them arrested for involvement with Naxals. Stating that the state government had Vittala arrested just to divert public gaze from its scams and scandals, he urged the government to withdraw the case against Vittala and allow him to complete his education. 

CPI leaders B. K. Krishnappa, P. Sanjeeva, Seetharama Berinja, B. Shekar, and B. Vishwanath were also present.