Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)
Udupi, May 10: The coastal security police force are conducting investigation into an alleged 'late-night party' that was taking place at St Mary's Island, Malpe near here on the night of Saturday May 9. It has come to light that seven people had stayed back in the island after the 'party'.
Allegations are being heard of the participation of leaders of Malpe beach development committee and Nirmiti centre. A complaint in this connection has been filed by Yogish Salian, member of city municipality Vadabhandeshwara ward with the Karavali police station.
Source said that meat and liquor bottles were found on the island. Sources informed that the coastal security police brought all those involved in the party to the mainland early morning on Sunday, May 10. Two cars belonging to those who were partying were found near the tourist boat jetty in Malpe. Out of this, one car belongs to Malpe beach development committe and the other to Nirmiti centre, sources said. Police have confiscated both the cars.
Locals, who noticed lights on the island on Saturday night informed the same to the coastal security police. The police went to the island at around 11 pm and questioned all the seven people who were allegedly 'partying' there. The group replied that they had come to take back equipment belonging to Malpe beach development committee as monsoon is round the corner.
The accused also said that they stayed back as the waves were violent. But the coastal security police have undertaken investigation to assess whether those involved had indeed been partying without permission. It is also learnt that the coastal security police has submitted a report in this connection to the DC.
R Chetan, SP of coastal security police said, "Our police undertook the operation based on a complaint that some people were partying in the island. Seven people were found on the island. They were brought to the shore at around 3 am on Sunday. Investigation is on. If they have violated law, suitable action will be taken."
Responding to the issue, Sudesh Shetty, convenor of Malpe beach development committee denied that any party was organized on the island. "I have not been to the island. Five workers had gone there to pick equipment and stayed back as the waves were violent and decided to return in the morning. Except that, nothing else has taken place. No one has partied. These are false allegations. Just rumours. Let the police investigate and take suitable action if found guilty," he said.
The district administration has banned public from visiting St Mary's Island between 7 pm to 7 am. The district administration has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.