At least 11 individuals from a fringe outfit raided a Unisex Salon near the KSRTC bus stand in Bejai of Mangaluru. The alarming case of moral policing took place accusing the unisex salon of running a 'prostitution' racket in the premises.
On Friday, the individuals vandalised furniture and equipment and took to assaulting the staff of the saloon. Two staff members sustained injuries in the attack, reported India Today.
Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal confirmed the incident occurred at 11:50 am. The attackers reportedly unlawfully entered the premises which includes a spa and targeted employees with verbal abuse and physical assault.
The leaked footage of the incident showed the group storming the salon and intimidating women staff members. They also caused extensive damage to property. The video has sparked outrage on social media and among civil society groups.
Following a complaint by the salon owner, the Barke Police Station registered a case and launched an investigation.
Prasad Attavar who was linked to Mangaluru pub attack in 2009 claimed responsibility for the raid. Along with Attavar, 13 others were taken into custody in the day. Attavar also founded Rama Sena after splitting from Sri Rama Sena in 2013, as per a report on Times of India.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mangaluru, assured that further details would be revealed as the probe progresses.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara condemned the act and stated that the motives behind the raid remain unclear. He directed the police to take swift action and ensure the arrest of all those involved.