Udupi, September 6, 2025: A disturbing incident has rocked Rattadi village, Kundapur taluk, Udupi district, where Navin Chandra Shetty Rattadi, a former president of the Udupi District Janajagruti Vedike, a BJP leader, and chief of the Shri Ratteshwara Devasthana Management Committee, has been accused of sexually harassing a female member of the Dharmasthala Sangha. The incident occurred amidst efforts to organize a Dharma Samrakshana Yatra to defend the reputation of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, which has been under scrutiny following the Soujanya rape and murder case.
The incident took place in Manimakki, Rattadi village, where Shetty, also a former Amasebail Taluk Panchayat member, was coordinating the yatra by distributing pamphlets. He allegedly called the victim, a married woman and Sangha member, to his residence on Friday, September 5, 2025, under the pretext of providing additional pamphlets. During the afternoon visit, Shetty reportedly touched her hand while handing over the materials, causing discomfort. As she attempted to leave, he allegedly pulled her close, kissed her on the right cheek, and attempted further sexual harassment. The victim escaped in fear and reported the incident to her family, who filed a complaint at the Amavase Bailu Police Station.
According to the complaint, Shetty pursued her after the incident, insisting she return after work. The victim’s family rejected attempts by Kundapur MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi to mediate and settle the matter amicably. Shetty is currently absconding, and police are actively searching for him.
CPM Condemns Incident and Demands Action
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] Udupi District Committee has strongly condemned the incident, criticizing Shetty’s actions and the alleged attempt by MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi to suppress the case through mediation. Suresh Kallagar, CPM District Secretary, issued a statement demanding the immediate arrest of Navin Chandra Shetty to ensure justice for the victim. “The fact that the victim herself has lodged a complaint warrants swift action. The accused must be traced and arrested to deliver justice,” Kallagar stated.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with locals questioning the safety of Dharmasthala Sangha members. “If a Sangha member faces such harassment, what about the rest of us?” residents remarked.
