Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)
Udupi, Dec 13: Chaos prevailed at Malpe here late evening on Wednesday December 13 after locals confronted three boys and three girls belonging to different communities who were visiting the beach at Kodi Bengre.
It is learnt that a group of three boys belonging to the same community and three girls from different communities went to Hoode Delta beach to celebrate the birthday of one of the girls in the group. Among the boys, one works in a mobile shop, another in a bike rental shop and the third is unemployed.
While they were at the beach, the locals saw the group and questioned them as to who they were and what they were doing at the beach. Soon, a big crowd began to gather and questioned the boys and girls. The locals alleged that the youngsters were behaving 'indecently'.
On receiving information, Malpe police led by SI Madhu arrived at the spot.
However, the crowd refused to hand over the girls and the boys to the police, saying that they would deal with them themselves. They also demanded that their parents be called to the spot.
The locals initially alleged that to control the mob, SI Madhu fired in air, however, the police have clarified that no firing took place.
The people finally began to disperse, after which the police took the boys and the girls to Malpe police station.
However, the matter did not end there. A large crowd of about 150-200 people, including those belonging right-wing outfits, gathered in front of Malpe police station condemning the police for firing into the air and demanding that the parents of the youngsters should be called to the police station. Arguments arose between the mob and police.
Tense situation prevails at the spot. Police have also deployed a KSRP squad at Hoode.
The parents of the youngsters were called and the latter were handed over to them. The crowd dispersed thereafter.