Senior VHP Leader Arrested Following Communal Tensions in Mangaluru

Arrest of VHP Leader Amidst Rising Communal Tensions

Following the murder of a Hindu nationalist leader earlier this month in Mangaluru, police apprehended senior Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) figure Sharan Pampwell on Tuesday night. He faces charges related to inciting communal unrest and disturbing public peace, according to officials.

Authorities reported that the body of VHP worker Suhas Shetty was autopsied at A.J. Hospital's morgue after his murder in the Bajpe police jurisdiction on May 1.

It is alleged that outside the hospital, Pampwell made inflammatory remarks to the media, claiming that the banned organization PFI and 'jihadist Islamic terrorists' were involved in Shetty's murder.

On May 2, he also called for a shutdown in the district. Police stated in their report that when the public did not support the shutdown, Pampwell's comments incited his followers to vandalize various areas in Mangaluru and create disturbances to forcibly close shops and businesses, resulting in damage to public property and escalating communal tensions.

In response, the Mangaluru East police station took cognizance and filed a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal indicated that necessary evidence was collected during the investigation, and Pampwell was issued two notices to appear for questioning, which he failed to do, showing a lack of cooperation with the inquiry.

On Tuesday evening, Pampwell was taken into custody for questioning and subsequently arrested. He is being presented before the court. Meanwhile, the VHP condemned Pampwell's arrest, criticizing the state Congress government and labeling it as a despicable act. Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with Shetty's murder.