A Karnataka court on Monday acquitted Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik and all other accused in the 2009 pub attack in Mangaluru, Karnataka, citing the lack of evidence, NDTV reported.
“We believe it is a triumph,” said Muthalik, who was present in court at the time of the judgement, according to News 18. “Cases under some 10 sections were filed against us and we have emerged victorious today.”
In January 2009, dozens of activists allegedly belonging to the Sri Ram Sene, a Hindutva outfit in Karnataka, attacked women at a pub in Mangaluru. They claimed that the women had been violating traditional Indian values. The attack led to protests including a “Pink Chaddi” campaign in which people sent pink underwear to members of the Sri Ram Sene to protest against the attack as well as to threats by the outfit to disrupt Valentine’s Day.
The state deputy convener of Sri Ram Sene, Prasad Attavar, had claimed responsibility for the attack. “It was a spontaneous reaction against women who flouted traditional Indian norms of decency,” he had said.
However, in 2010, Muthalik said that the attack was a “big mistake” as it had affected his group’s reputation. “People are still wary about the Sri Ram Sene and refuse to give space for its office or any other activities,” he said.
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