MANGALURU: Following the assault of a Hindu Jagaran Vedike HJV ) leader, allegedly by a group led by Hindu activist Chaitra Kundapur and her acomplices, at Kashikatte on Wednesday, the merchants in Kukke have voluntarily closed down their shops and establishments in the temple town on Thursday.HJV taluk general secretary Guruprasad Panja had suffered head injuries after he was allegedly assaulted by Chaitra’s supporters. The temple town totally shut down till evening, with merchants voluntarily participating in the bandh. A rally was held in Subrahmanya, protesting against the assault on Panja that brought disgrace to the town. Merchants, members of various organisations including the HJV, local residents, autorickshaw and taxi drivers, contractors and devotees took part in the rally that started from the Adishesha Guest House premises to Kumaradhara through Car Street. Protesters shouted slogans against Chaitra and her followers.Though all shops and restaurants remained closed, devotees were not affected since the protest was peaceful. All arrangements were made to provide food by the temple authorities.Addressing protesters, local leader N S Rajesh said Chaitra and her followers’ conducts were intolerable. “We condemn the incident of attack on Panja, who was assaulted near the police station. We will unite against this attack whoever be the accused. Those who support the attackers should be sent out of the place,” he said.Another leader Shivarama Rai said the protest was only against the inhuman acts and not against the Subrahmanya Mutt.Police sources said the incident of attack was occurred at Kashikatte in Subrahmanya police station limits on Wednesday.Chaitra Kundapur and her six followers had visited Subrahmanya Mutt to meet Swamiji (Sri Vidyaprasanna Thirtha). After meeting the Swamiji, they engaged in a verbal spat with Hindu organization leader Guruprasad Panja in connection with a Facebook issue. Following this, Chaitra Kundapur and her six followers assaulted Guruprasad Panja. Policemen from the police station rushed to the spot and brought situation under control.Superintendent of police B R Ravikanthegowda said case is being registered at Subrahmanya police station.

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