Flashback 2009 M’luru pub attack

Mangaluru: The incident of right-wing activists preventing students from partying at a pub in Mangaluru on Monday, brought back memories of the infamous Mangaluru pub attack of 2009. Social activist Vidya Dinker Tweeted, “We let them all walk away scot-free, after the pub attack and they’re back! Rewind Mangalore, its 2009 all over again!”

The attack on January 24, 2009, was a turning point for the city, as the world looked at Mangaluru as an ‘intolerant city’ towards its girls. At the same time, the incident saw the rise of a Hindu outfit Sri Ram Sene, after its leaders claimed responsibility for the attack. However, in the Mangaluru pub attack case, due to lack of evidence, a Mangaluru court acquitted 26 accused out of the 30 mentioned in the chargesheet, including prominent Hindu activists such as Pramod Muthalik and Prasad Attavar.

A senior police officer said back then it was alleged that women were attacked and some were allegedly molested. However, the aggrieved girls did not support the investigation and many witnesses had not turned up. “In this case, the outfits acted with caution, they know that the law is tough and hence did not take law into their hands. Though there are allegations that activists verbally abused the girls, which are being examined, in Monday’s incident, a few activists went up to the bouncer and reportedly warned that if minors are present, it could lead to problems,” he said.