Update
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Mar 19: Malpe police have arrested Lakshmibai, Sunder, Shilpa, and another individual in connection with the brutal assault on a woman at Malpe port, following allegations of fish theft.
Providing details about the incident and legal actions taken, Udupi district police superintendent Dr Arun K stated, "Lakshmibai, Sunder, Shilpa, and another individual have been arrested by Malpe police for assaulting the woman. A case has also been registered based on the victim’s complaint. The woman was accused of stealing fish and is a native of Vijayapura district. The case has been filed under IPC sections 74, 115, 351, 352, and the Atrocities Act."
Arrested accused
The incident occurred early on Tuesday morning when the victim, who has been working at Malpe port for five years carrying fish from boats, collected a basket of catfish (chattli) from the vessel Sri Aradhana. She was confronted by a group, including Lakshmibai, Shilpa, and Sri Aradhana boat operators Chandra and Sunder, who accused her of taking fish from Malpe despite not being a local resident.
The group allegedly abused her, physically assaulted her, and tied her to a tree before further attacking her. Following a complaint, police registered a case under multiple sections of the IPC and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Meanwhile, chief minister Siddaramaiah has directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation and take necessary action against those responsible.
Reacting to the incident on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Chief Minister expressed his distress over the viral video showing the woman tied to a tree and mercilessly beaten in Udupi district’s Malpe.
"Regardless of the reason, tying a woman and assaulting her in such a manner is not only inhumane but also a serious offense. Such uncivilized behavior is unacceptable in a progressive state like Karnataka," he stated.
The chief minister emphasized that Karnataka has a well-established legal system and a capable police force to handle cases of theft, fraud, or deception. "If someone is involved in unlawful activities, a complaint should be filed, and the police will take action. The government will not tolerate individuals taking the law into their own hands," he added.
Siddaramaiah confirmed that he has instructed the police to ensure a proper investigation and take strict action against those responsible.
Earlier Report
Udupi: Case filed as video of woman beaten, tied to tree in Malpe goes viral
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Mar 19: A woman was allegedly tied to a tree and beaten on charges of stealing fish at Malpe. The incident came to light on Wednesday, March 19, after a video of the assault went viral on social media.
In the video, a fisherwoman is seen beating another woman and accusing her of stealing fish from boats during unloading at Malpe port. Sources revealed that when boat personnel confronted the woman over the alleged theft of prawns, she initially denied the accusations. However, the matter was later taken to the Malpe police station, where she reportedly admitted to the theft.
Responding to the incident, Udupi deputy commissioner Dr Vidyakumari said, "It is indeed an inhuman act. On moral grounds as well, it is unacceptable to beat a person in such a manner. A mistake may have been made, but that does not justify public assault. What is even more concerning is that those present at the scene did not intervene; instead, they simply laughed at the situation. No one attempted to pacify it. If our mindset continues in this direction, it will be deeply troubling. It is not right to stand by and laugh when someone is being mistreated.
“I have spoken with the superintendent of police to take action as per the law. Such incidents should not be repeated,” she said.
The woman was accused of stealing fish and is a native of Vijayapura district. A case has also been registered based on the victim’s complaint.