In a fight between Congress and BJP workers, case against MLA D. Vedavyasa Kamath, counter case filed

In a fight between Congress and BJP workers, case against MLA D. Vedavyasa Kamath, counter case filed

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 4, 2025: In a fight between Congress and BJP workers, a Congress worker has filed a compliant against Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyasa Kamath and other BJP workers of abusing and assaulting some Congress workers, while a counter complaint has been filed accusing a few Congress workers of abusing and assaulting a person belonging to Scheduled Tribe who was with Mr. Kamath. Police have registered both the complaints.

The incident relates to the ‘Brahmakalashotsava’ programme of the Krishna Bhajana Mandira in Nalyapadavu in Shaktinagar on Sunday, March 2. Mr. Kamath and MLC Ivan D’Souza attended the programme.

In the compliant registered at Kankanady Police station, Dakshina Kannada Pradesh Congress Committee member Yashwanth Prabhu said he was among the Congress workers who attended the programme. Speaking at the programme, Mr. Kamath indirectly referred to Mr. Prabhu and said those who have thrown stones at ‘Bhajana Mandir’ have been called for the programme.

As the MLA was leaving the venue, Mr. Prabhu and other Congress workers confronted Mr. Kamath.  Then around eight BJP workers led by Ashwith Kottary abused Mr. Prabhu and assaulted him and another Congress worker Jayaprakash. The MLA directed BJP workers to break the hands and legs of Congress workers, Mr. Prabhu alleged.

Based on the complaint, the Kankanady police registered a case against Mr. Kamath and some other BJP workers for offences under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 54, 115(2), 351(2) and 352 of Bharaitya Nyaya Sanhita

“This is unbecoming of the conduct of an MLA. Congress workers will not take such abuses lying down. They are capable of giving a fitting reply,” Dakshina Kannada Pradesh Congress Committee president K. Harish Kumar told reporters on Monday.

Counter case

In a counter case filed at the same police station, a 42-year-old R. Mani said as he was walking alongside the MLA when Mr. Kamath was leaving the venue. Then Yashwanth Prabhu and other Congress workers spoke in an arrogant manner with the MLA. When he confronted Mr. Prabhu, he abused Mr. Mani by referring him as belonging to ‘cobbler’ caste and he (Mr. Mani) was assaulted.

This case was registered for offences punishable under Sections 351(2), 352 and 115(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 3(1) of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.  

The District BJP spokesperson Rajgopal Rai told reporters on Monday that Congress workers have filed a false case accusing Mr. Kamath of assaulting and abusing Congress workers. The Congress which talks of protecting the Constitution, has abused and assaulted a person belonging to a Scheduled Tribe community, Mr. Rai said.