Congress factionalism erupts in Puttur MLA’s supporters clash with workers

Mangaluru: A dispute involving Congress workers and supporters of Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai escalated into a physical confrontation outside the Puttur Press Club, prompting police to register an FIR. The incident has highlighted growing differences within the ruling party’s local unit.

The clash reportedly followed a controversy surrounding an audio clip that had gone viral on social media. Congress worker Hakeem Koornadka was allegedly confronted by supporters of Ashok Kumar Rai when he was preparing to speak to the media about the issue.

The confrontation quickly turned into a heated exchange, with members of the two groups allegedly pushing and assaulting each other. The incident reportedly occurred in the presence of MLA Ashok Kumar Rai.

After receiving information about the clash, Rai reached the spot and is said to have intervened to pacify both sides.

The groups were subsequently dispersed. Puttur town police registered a case following a complaint lodged by inspector Johnson D’Souza. The FIR names Praveen Acharya from Munduru, Rawoof from Koornadka and Hakeem from Bolwar, besides others.

Police have booked the accused under Section 194(2) of the BNS in connection with the alleged gathering, disturbance and breach of public peace. Investigators are now looking into the events leading up to the clash and are collecting information from those present at the scene. The police are also examining the audio clip that allegedly became the immediate trigger for the confrontation.

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The Hans India