Three held for assaulting Dalit woman in Malpe by tying her to a tree

Three held for assaulting Dalit woman in Malpe by tying her to a tree

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, March 20, 2025: Udupi Superintendent of Police K. Arun said another person had been taken into police custody. An inquiry is on and action will be taken against others allegedly involved in the assault after examining the video and collecting other evidence related to the incident.

The Malpe police said the victim was from Huvinahadagali in Vijayanagara district. For the past five years she was working at the Malpe fisheries harbour. 

On Tuesday morning, she unloaded fish from Shri Aradhana fishing boat. Then she filled a basket full of ‘Sigadi’ fish for use in the house and began walking towards her home. Soon after, fish sellers Laxmi Bai and Shilpa, Aradhana boat owner’s representatives Sundar and Chandra, and others got together and blocked her way. Accusing her of stealing fish, they abused and misbehaved with her. She was then tied to a tree and beaten up, said the police.

A video of the assault was widely circulated on social media after the incident, in which people expressed dismay over conduct of the assaulters.  

Based on her complaint, the Malpe registered a case for offences under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 126(2), 127(2), 74, 115(2), 352, 351(2) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s) and 3(2)(v-a) of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.  

Dr. Arun gave the names of the arrested persons as Laxmi Bai, Sundar, and Shilpa.

Meanwhile, Minister in charge of Udupi district Laxmi Hebbalkar who condemned the incident said that it was inhuman. The police have been instructed to take strict action against the accused and trace other persons involved in the assault, she added.