Homestay attack protest: Cop threatens principal, students; Defends self

Mangalore, July 30: Students and staff of St Agnes College have complained of misbehavior from the police who were deployed outside the College.

The students had gathered inside the College gate to protest against the Padil homestay attack were shouted at by Kadri inspector Venkatesh Prasanna and threatened of jailing students for violation of prohibitory orders, said Pallavi, a student of the College. “The Inspector said videograph these girls and highlight them in media and spoil their life”, said Labita, another student.

Sr. Marie Prem D'Souza, Principal of the College, also complained of being threatened by the cop. “The girls were inside the campus but they (police) were shouting at them saying that they are violating prohibitory orders. When I tried to intervene, Inspector Venkatesh Prasanna said he will file a case against me because I am the Principal and threatened me”, she said.

Students and staff also complained of double standards from the cop as protests were being held in other colleges too under police protection. “I told him if they (police) are not here to protect us, then there is no need for them to be around. I asked him to go”, Sr D'Souza said.

Speaking to Coastaldigest.com, Mr. Prasanna defended his actions. “As per law, when prohibitory orders are imposed, no assembly and shouting of slogans is allowed irrespective of whether it is inside a college campus or outside. I only told the Principal that the students and some of the former corporators who tried to argue with me, this is the law. In spite of me telling the Principal that it is against the law, if she continues doing what is prohibited, it shows she thinks she is above the law. Yes I did tell her that if the college authorities are not willing to obey the law, we will get the matter settled in court”, he said.

However, Deputy Commissioner Dr. N S Chennappa Gowda said that the prohibitory orders are meant only for public places which do not include college premises. The students are well within their rights to protest within college campuses, he said.

Vidya Dinker, activist, who also took part in the protest held inside the College campus condemned the action of police.

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Students roar in protest against homestay attack