Student Disappearance: Bandh in Karnataka Town Protests Police 'Inaction'

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Student Disappearance: Bandh in Karnataka Town Protests Police 'Inaction'

Synopsis

On March 1, a bandh in Mangaluru protested police inaction following the disappearance of a PUC student. Hindu groups and the BJP rallied against the police's slow response, suspecting drug gang involvement. The police are under pressure to solve the case quickly, as community support grows.

Key Takeaways

  • Hindu organizations and BJP protested over police inaction.
  • Over 500 police deployed in Mangaluru to maintain order.
  • Missing student last seen on February 25 after collecting exam hall ticket.
  • Protesters suspect involvement of drug gangs.
  • Community demands swift action from authorities.

Mangaluru, March 1 (NationPress) Hindu organizations and the BJP held a bandh on Saturday, expressing their disapproval of police inaction for five days following the disappearance of a second-year Pre-University (PUC, Class 12) student in Farangipete town, near Bantwal, within Mangaluru district.

In response to the increasing public pressure, the police have deployed two platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) along with over 500 officers to ensure law and order in the area.

Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Bajrang Dal, and the BJP, including many women, participated in significant numbers. Most local shopkeepers and businesses chose to remain closed in solidarity with the bandh.

Demonstrators suspect a 'ganja gang' might be involved in the student's disappearance and have called for police action against drug dealers.

The missing student, Digant, vanished on February 25 at 7 p.m. Earlier that day, he had collected his hall ticket for the upcoming board exams and went to Anjaneya Vyayama Shale in the evening but did not return. He was enrolled in a private PUC college in Mangaluru city.

Subsequently, one of Digant's sandals, showing signs of blood, was discovered near the railway tracks, alongside his mobile phone.

CCTV footage from the Anjaneya temple revealed suspicious activity involving a black car. The Bantwal Rural police, who are currently investigating the case, have established three special teams to look into the matter.

The demonstrators voiced their anger towards the police for allegedly concluding that Digant's disappearance was due to fear of exams, warning that if a breakthrough isn't achieved in the next two days, they would initiate a substantial protest.

Protesters argued that information from his parents indicated he did not fear examinations.

They claimed that the police were neglecting the suspicions around the black car's movements.

Mangaluru SP Yathish N has taken personal charge of the investigation. Police and local residents have conducted searches along the railway tracks for two consecutive days. Additionally, the police visited Digant's college in Mangaluru to gather insights from his teachers and classmates. Nevertheless, no significant leads regarding his location have been uncovered.