Mangaluru, Karnataka (March 3, 2025) – An FIR has been registered against 12 individuals, including BJP MLA from Mangalore City South, Vedavyasa Kamath, following allegations of assaulting a Congress worker during a religious event at Sri Krishna Bhajana Mandira near Shaktinagara, according to police sources.
According to Prabhu’s complaint, MLA Kamath confronted him immediately upon arrival, allegedly asking, "What work do you have here after throwing stones at temples?" Prabhu viewed this remark as politically motivated, prompting an argument. The verbal altercation escalated, leading to Prabhu being physically attacked by individuals named Ashwith Kottari, Mani, and Jayaprakash, who reportedly tore his shirt during the incident. Prabhu further alleged that Jayaprakash also issued death threats.
"Since the Congress assumed power, we have witnessed a clear pattern of filing false cases against BJP leaders, including MLAs. This incident is yet another attempt to create unrest at an otherwise peaceful event and falsely implicate BJP leadership," Rai remarked.
Rai further clarified that MLA Kamath had attended the religious event casually, engaging in friendly conversations and distributing prasadam before leaving. According to the BJP spokesperson, the unrest was instigated by certain Congress workers who allegedly attempted to provoke crowds against Kamath.
The investigation is ongoing, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives.
Incident at Religious Ceremony Sparks Political Controversy
The alleged assault occurred late Sunday night during the Brahma Kalashotsava ceremony. Yashwanth Prabhu, a Congress worker, lodged a formal complaint at Kankanady police station, stating that the incident took place while he was volunteering to welcome guests.According to Prabhu’s complaint, MLA Kamath confronted him immediately upon arrival, allegedly asking, "What work do you have here after throwing stones at temples?" Prabhu viewed this remark as politically motivated, prompting an argument. The verbal altercation escalated, leading to Prabhu being physically attacked by individuals named Ashwith Kottari, Mani, and Jayaprakash, who reportedly tore his shirt during the incident. Prabhu further alleged that Jayaprakash also issued death threats.
BJP Responds, Claims Allegations Are Politically Motivated
Rejecting the allegations, BJP spokesperson Raj Gopal Rai stated that the accusations were baseless and politically motivated. Rai accused Congress of consistently orchestrating smear campaigns against BJP leaders since coming to power."Since the Congress assumed power, we have witnessed a clear pattern of filing false cases against BJP leaders, including MLAs. This incident is yet another attempt to create unrest at an otherwise peaceful event and falsely implicate BJP leadership," Rai remarked.
Rai further clarified that MLA Kamath had attended the religious event casually, engaging in friendly conversations and distributing prasadam before leaving. According to the BJP spokesperson, the unrest was instigated by certain Congress workers who allegedly attempted to provoke crowds against Kamath.
Counter-Allegations by BJP of Assault on SC Community Member
Additionally, BJP leaders alleged that during the incident, a Scheduled Caste community member accompanying MLA Kamath was physically assaulted by Congress supporters. Rai claimed that the Congress workers, fearing a potential counter-complaint under the SC/ST Atrocities Act, created a false narrative. He further accused a Congress worker of deliberately tearing his own shirt and getting admitted to a hospital before filing a police complaint against Kamath.The investigation is ongoing, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives.