Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada police have appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading rumours regarding the recent incident at a digital service centre in Puttur, which began with a technical prob…

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada police have appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading rumours regarding the recent incident at a digital service centre in Puttur, which began with a technical problem involving a lamination machine but has subsequently been given a communal colour.Police said the initial dispute arose after a technical malfunction in the lamination machine resulted in a document being damaged. The matter could have been resolved amicably or taken before the police or an appropriate legal or consumer forum, they said.According to the police, the customer allegedly became aggressive towards a worker at the shop, following which shop owner Akshatha also became involved in the altercation. During the incident, Sudarshan Pai allegedly assaulted another person who was attempting to record the incident on video. Police said the available video footage provides evidence regarding the sequence of events and the persons involved.Puttur: Altercation at digital seva kendra; Police warn against rumours Police further said that after Sudarshan Pai was taken into custody, some people continued to behave aggressively. Naushad was allegedly seen near the police vehicle, bending inside it and apparently doing something. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated. Sudarshan Pai’s father was also present inside the vehicle and will be questioned. His statement, along with other available evidence, will help establish the sequence of events, police said.The police also said that Sudarshan Pai has previous cases registered against him, including an attempt-to-murder case and a case relating to drug peddling. Naushad has a previous hurt case relating to a road-rage incident, while Sadhashiv Pai also has a hurt case in connection with a road-rage incident. Two other persons who had gathered near the shop also have one previous case each, police said.However, police made it clear that the antecedents of the persons involved would not determine action in the present case. Any arrest or other legal action would be based strictly on the evidence available in connection with the current incident and the applicable provisions of law.Responding to demands for the arrest of Naushad, Niyaz, Akshatha Rai, Sadhashiva Rai and others who had gathered at the spot, police said action would be taken against anyone found to have committed an offence, irrespective of their religion, community or social identity.“Arrest and other legal action have to be based on facts, evidence and the requirements of law. Police cannot be compelled to arrest an individual merely because of public or communal pressure,” the police said.Puttur MLA’s family offers 100 gm gold to Mahalingeshwara templePolice also appealed to those having genuine concerns about the investigation to approach the authorities and place the facts and evidence available with them. The police said they were prepared to examine all relevant facts and evidence to clear any misunderstanding.The police suspected that certain vested interests were attempting to portray the incident through a communal lens and create tension between communities. The public was urged not to fall prey to rumours, unverified social-media posts, inflammatory statements or misleading narratives.A peace committee meeting will be held at the Puttur SDPO office at 5 pm.   

Source: Deccan Herald