VHP Leader Sharan Pumpwell Arrested for Inciting Unrest in Mangaluru

Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 27 (PTI): Mangaluru police have arrested Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Sharan Pumpwell on allegations of making provocative remarks and inciting unrest following the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty earlier this month, as per officials.

Shetty, identified as a rowdy-sheeter and Hindutva activist, was killed on May 1 within the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru city.

In the early hours of May 2, Pumpwell addressed the media, alleging the involvement of “jihadi Islamic terrorists” in the murder and linked the incident to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

He declared a district-wide bandh from 6 am to 6 pm that day, urging the public to close shops and offices in protest.

However, the general public did not comply with the bandh call, leading to reports of vandalism and disruption in various parts of Mangaluru by Pumpwell's supporters.

Police reported that this situation led to damage to public property, disrupted communal harmony, and resulted in a breakdown of public order.

The Mangaluru police subsequently registered a suo motu case against Pumpwell under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to a senior police officer.

Investigators stated that the accused had ignored two summons issued under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and failed to cooperate with the inquiry.

Pumpwell was taken into custody on May 27 and is to be presented before a local court, as confirmed in a statement by the Mangaluru police.

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