FIR on former minister Madhwaraj under Cong pressure: MLA

Udupi: MLA Yashpal Suvarna has expressed strong resentment over the filing of an FIR against former minister Pramod Madhwaraj and alleged that the police department acted under pressure from the Congress govt. Suvarna said the FIR against Madhwaraj was a result of political pressure.He stated that police, acting on the directives of the Congress govt, filed a case under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act in connection with an incident involving women fish vendors. When the former minister questioned the lapses in police action, a suo motu case was filed against him. He said this was a deliberate attempt by the govt to suppress the voices raised in support of fishermen.Suvarna further accused the state govt of showing apathy towards the concerns of fishermen in the coastal region and said the police department is acting like a puppet in the hands of the ruling govt. He warned that the people of the district, especially the fisherfolk, would give a fitting response in the coming days if such high-handedness continues.It may be recalled that Malpe police registered a suo motu case against the former minister for allegedly delivering a provocative speech during a protest meeting held at Malpe harbour on Saturday. The protest was organised by the Malpe Fishermen's Association along with other major fishermen's unions, in response to the arrest of five persons from the fishing community in connection with a recent incident where a woman was tied to a tree and assaulted after being accused of stealing fish.