MANGALURU (TOI): MPs Shobha Karandlaje and Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLC Ganesh Karnik, MLA Sunil Kumar and hundreds of right-wing activists were arrested for staging a protest on B C Road, about 25 kms from here, in spite of section 144 being in force in Dakshina Kannada Police jurisdiction.

The massive protest was organised on Friday at BC Road junction to condemn assault on RSS worker Sharath on July 4. The victim's condition is said to be critical. Sharath, who operated a laundry service on BC Road, was assaulted by unidentified assailant as he was about to leave from his workplace for home.

Police sources said that as many as 500 plus activists including political representatives were bundled into police vans and taken away to different places. They have been booked for violating prohibitory order and under IPC sections. MP Shobha Karandlaje speaking to a news channel said: Banned organisations, backed by politicians, are behind the assault on Sharath