Right-wing activist Prasad Attavar among 14 arrested for attack on Mangaluru salon

Mangaluru police have arrested 14 individuals, including former Sri Rama Sene leader Prasad Attavar, in connection with an attack on a unisex salon in the city on Thursday.

Attavar, 50, now leading a local outfit called Rama Sena, is accused of orchestrating the incident at Colors Unisex Salon in Bejai. He claimed the attack targeted "illegal activities" allegedly happening at the salon, which also provides massage services.

According to police reports, around 10 individuals stormed the salon near Aditya Complex, Bejai KSRTC, on Thursday afternoon, causing extensive property damage. The attackers verbally abused the staff, accused them of engaging in immoral activities, and issued threats. Two employees were assaulted, and the incident was filmed by the assailants.

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Barke police station, and investigations are ongoing.

Prasad Attavar has a controversial history, including his involvement in the 2009 attack on women at a Mangaluru pub by Sri Rama Sene activists, who claimed they were protecting Hindu women from "western influences." He was also implicated in a 2010 extortion racket tied to gangster Ravi Pujari, who was deported to India in 2021 after being arrested in Senegal.

In addition to his political activities, Attavar was a partner in a security services agency operating in Dakshina Kannada district, previously contracted for government events in Mangaluru.

This latest incident follows a high-profile robbery in Mangaluru on January 17, in which alleged Mumbai-based gangsters looted 12 kg of gold and cash worth ₹10 crore from a cooperative bank in Kotekar.

The attack also draws attention to the activities of other right-wing leaders in Mangaluru. Sharan Pumpwell, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader associated with incidents of moral policing, runs Eshwari Housekeeping and Security Services, which provides security for several establishments in the city, including malls.