Woman Protests with Sheep’s Leg After Mutton Shop Demolished
From The News Observer Desk,
Karwar: A dramatic protest unfolded in front of the Karwar City Council on Wednesday, when Shweta Ganapati Kalal staged a demonstration holding a sheep’s leg in a bucket. She alleged that municipal officials demolished her mutton shop near the public library in Binaga without serving prior notice.
Current city council member Prakash Naik, former member Anchekar, and several locals joined the protest, demanding justice and permission for Shweta to reopen her shop at the same spot.
According to Shweta, the demolition was triggered by complaints from library operators Allahbaksh and his wife Sangeeta, who allegedly claimed the shop was a nuisance to library visitors. Shweta insisted that the accusations were baseless and accused the couple of harassment.
Municipal officials, however, carried out the demolition on Wednesday morning. Shweta, supported by others, immediately launched the protest outside the council office.
The city commissioner later addressed the protesters, stating that a judge had personally inspected the site and directed that the mutton shop be shifted to the fish market, where proper facilities would be arranged. “We cannot go against the court’s order, but if Shweta files a petition with the council, we will extend legal support,” the commissioner assured.
Tensions heightened during the protest when Shweta collapsed twice in front of the council building. Protesters also alleged that illegal activities were taking place inside the library and adjacent government quarters during the evenings, and demanded that these structures be demolished.
The commissioner responded that any such request would be forwarded to the district library authorities, and public works officials would be consulted before taking action. He added that temporary arrangements had been made for Shweta to sell meat at the fish market for two months while she pursued legal remedies.
After these assurances, the protesters dispersed.
