Udupi: Tension prevailed in Udupi after members of Hindu organisations staged a protest opposing a religious discourse programme, leading to the detention of 38 protesters by police.Udupi district police stated in a release that from March 20 to 22, a religious preaching programme titled ‘Samadhana Mahotsava’ is being organised daily from 5.30pm to 9.30pm at the Christian PU College ground near Mission Compound, under the jurisdiction of Udupi Town police station. The event is being organised by the Fellowship of Udupi District Churches under the leadership of its president, as per the order of the high court, following a writ petition. Pastor Mohan C Lazarus from Tamil Nadu has been invited as the special speaker for the programme. Objecting to his participation, leaders of Hindu Jagarana Vedike and other pro-Hindu organisations alleged that cases have been registered against him in Tamil Nadu for allegedly insulting Hindu deities. They earlier urged the district administration and police department, through a press conference, not to grant permission for the event. On Friday, around 5pm, under the leadership of regional functionaries of Hindu Jagarana Vedike, protesters gathered near Govinda Kalyana Mantapa, addressed the media, and then attempted to proceed towards the Christian PU College venue, stating their intent to reach the programme site. Police intervened and prevented them from moving ahead. A total of 38 protesters were taken into custody and later released. In this connection, a criminal case has been registered against all 38 individuals at Udupi Town police station under Section 189(2) of the BNS and Section 112 of the Karnataka Police Act.
