Man booked after arguing with police over late-night hotel operation in Puttur

Mangaluru: A man has been booked under preventive action after allegedly arguing with police officers who attempted to shut down a hotel operating beyond permitted hours in Puttur.

The hotel, which was found functioning after its licence validity had expired, has been closed down. Meanwhile, the PSI on night patrol has been issued a warning for failing to inform senior officers about the incident, despite handling the situation professionally.A release from the Dakshina Kannada district police issued on Tuesday, stated that around 10.30 pm on June 18, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Chandra of the Puttur Town police station, along with police staff member Astam, was on night patrol within the station limits, when they reached Kabaka Junction.

They found a hotel owned by Mohammed Asif open for business. The hotel staff were instructed to close the establishment within the stipulated time, following which the patrol team left the spot.Later, at 1.30 am, ASI Chandra, along with police sub-inspector (PSI) Suresh, who was the subdivision’s night patrol officer, and police staff member Astam, returned to the same location during patrol. They found the hotel still open, with three customers seated inside.

Police informed the hotel staff that the hotel was operating in violation of the prescribed closing time, and directed them to shut it immediately.During this time, one of the customers, identified as Ujwal Kumar Prabhu,45, a resident of Kabaka, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, objected to the closure of the hotel, and engaged in an argument with the police personnel on duty. PSI Suresh explained the legal provisions to him, and ensured that the hotel was closed before the police team left the spot.

Police personnel recorded the altercation on a mobile phone.Police said that two previous cases had already been registered against Ujwal Kumar Prabhu at the Puttur Town police station. Following the latest incident involving an argument with police personnel on duty, preventive action has been initiated against him under Preventive Action Report at the Puttur Town police station.The hotel, which was found to be operating without valid authorisation after the expiry of its licence period, has been closed. Although the situation at the spot was handled professionally, PSI Suresh has been issued a warning for failing to inform his superior officers about the incident.