Udupi: After a large number of protesters gathered near Padubidri Gram Panchayat office preparing to march towards Hejamady toll gate against the collection of toll charges on NH 66, the police arrested them on February 13.
Even though Section 144 was imposed following the bandh call, some gathered at Padubidri and resorted to a violent protest, forcing some of the shop owners to close down the shutters The protesters demanded the deputy commissioner’s presence at the spot to address the issues. When the police tried to arrest some of the leaders, others intervened and restrained the police.
Later, in the absence of DC of Udupi district, Udupi Tahsildar and Taluk Magistrate Maheshchandra arrived and told the protesters that DC was out of station but had conveyed his order of not collecting the toll from KA 20 registered vehicles at Hejamadi and Sastan Toll areas till February 25. On February 25, there will be a meeting with the officials and further course of action would be decided, he informed.
After the assurance from Tahsildar Maheschandra, the protesters called off the protest and later dispersed from the area.
Earlier some of the leaders among the protesters Gulam Mohammed, Ansar Ahmed and Keshav Salian were arrested for violation of Section 144. A large number of police personnel were deployed under Vishuvardhan, Additional Superintendent of Police, Udupi district. The situation seems to e returning to normalcy in Padubidri surroundings.