Udupi: RC begins probe into alleged rave party in island

DHNS

• Officials claim no untoward incident took place during Spring Zouk fest

 

Udupi, 28 March 2012: Mysore Division Regional Commissioner M V Jayanthi made a spot visit to St Mary’s island as part of inquiry into the alleged rave party that was held in the name of promoting tourism, on Wednesday. Spring Zouk, an island festival to promote tourism in the area was organised at St Mary’s Island from February 3 to February 5.

 

Deputy Commissioner Dr M T Reju and Superintendent of Police Boralingaiah accompanied Jayanthi during her spot visit. The Regional Commissioner began her inquiry by making note of the geographical features of the Island. SP Boralingaiah briefed her about the environmental and geographical features of the island. When questioned, the City Municipal Council Commissioner Gokuldas Nayak informed the Regional Commissioner that as many as 2,000 tourists paid visit to the island during the second day of the festival. It was absolutely a fiesta supporting cultural programmes and entertainment.

 

People from various countries were also part of the celebration. Most of the visitors were aged between 20 to 40 years. He said approximately 80,000 tourists visit the island every year and income generated by tourism per year is approximately Rs 15 lakh. The permission for the festival was issued by tourism department, he said.

 

Udupi Tourism Department Assistant Director Prakash informed that he was out of station when the event took place. Excise DC Puttaswami informed that license was issued for liquor sale in the area. “A person named Girish Shetty applied for the license and license was issued in his name. The permitted timing for liquor sale was from 10 am to 10.30 pm.

 

No untoward incidents have taken place as such. My officials were working round the clock in the island,” he added.

 

Circle Inspector Girish informed that there was strict vigilance over the visitors and everyone was examined for drugs and alcohol consumption before entering the event venue. No untoward incidents have been reported from anywhere in the island. The event went off smoothly and local police were in charge of security, he said. Sarcastically, no localite was present when Regional Commissioner wanted to hear the version from the local inhabitants.

 

It seems as though attempts have been made to burry off the evidences. The debris of past providing ample evidences of the happening has been burnt and has been buried under hordes of sand, said a person.

 

The liquor bottles, syringes and other sort of garbage were seen half burnt and covered under sand a day after when the media personnel visited the spot.