Mangaluru
Despite assurances from District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to the Action Committee Against Surathkal, Tollgate that steps would be taken to withdraw the case, protesters still encounter legal obstacles. Over 50 of the 101 accused have not yet arranged bail through advocates.
Muneer Katipalla, Convener of the Action Committee, stated that while the District Minister pledged to discuss and address their concerns, the government has not acted upon their request. The tollgate closure, achieved after seven years of protests, allows motorists to travel freely on NH-66 through Surathkal without paying toll to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). However, those involved in the protests now face challenges in securing legal representation and sureties for all accused.
Senior advocate Dinesh Hegde Ulepady, who is also implicated in the case, leads a team of advocates willing to represent the accused. Muneer noted that failure to appear in court by July 6 could result in warrants being issued. Congress leader Mithun Rai, who contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Dakshina Kannada, is also among those accused in the case.
