There is much anger in Lakshadweep islands following an alleged physical assault of a local resident of Kavarathi by a driver associated with the Indian Navy.
The alleged incident occurred on Monday at 9:30 am at the Eastern jetty of Kavarathi, where a Navy bus was reportedly parked on the road, obstructing traffic and causing difficulties for locals trying to board a ship. When the Navy driver, who has been identified as Chandru, returned, locals confronted him.
According to the residents, the driver assaulted Salih, an auto driver, who was admitted to Indira Gandhi Hospital Kavaratti around 10:30 am.
There are also allegations that the Navy driver insulted the locals, referring to them as "Bloody STs."
It is important to note that the entire indigenous population of Lakshadweep is classified as Scheduled Tribes.
Locals further allege that the police have shown apathy toward the case.
“The sad fact is that, so far, no FIR has been registered though they have taken statements from Salih yesterday itself,” Najmuddin, a local resident, told THE WEEK. The attack is widely discussed over cyber platforms of Lakshadweep residents.
“Furthermore, when the station house officer of Kavaratti Police R.M. Ali Akbar attempted to admit the Navy personnel to Indira Gandhi Hospital, it led to a confrontation with the local population,” he added.
—Further details awaited