Brinda Karat demands Vittal Malekudiya’s release

CPM leader Brinda Karat on Monday met chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda and demanded the release of Mangalore University student Vittal Malekudiya and his father. She said that the arrest of the duo was an “inhuman” act, and they had been arrested with a motive to curb the rights of tribals. The state anti-Naxal force had arrested Vittal and his father for their alleged links with Naxals.

“Vittal Malekudiya was arrested for opposing the forcible eviction of tribals from forests. The arrest itself is a violation of the Forest Rights Act and done to curb his fight against the prevailing injustice.  I have spoken with the chief minister, and he has assured me that government would speed up the investigation into the matter,” Brinda said.

Leaders of Left parties and members of some social organisations have formed a committee to pressure the state government for the early release of the father-son duo. “The anti-Naxal force had arrested them on March 3 alleging that they were involved in anti-national activities. The police have levelled false allegations against them and acted against democratic principles. Vittal is a member of SFI and DYFI organisations which act under the purview of law,” said a release from the committee. It also urged the state government to provide basic infrastructure to tribal areas.