Bhatkal: Unidentified miscreants have removed and damaged the banner congratulating Mankal Vaidya, and the police have registered a case in this regard.

The incident occurred in the Belke area of Bhatkal taluk, where the banner was installed to congratulate Mankal Vaidya, the minister for Fisheries, Port, and Inland Transport. Mankal Vaidya is also the representative of the Bhatkal-Honnavar Assembly constituency and serves as the Uttara Kannada District incharge minister. The banner was removed and damaged on June 18, and a case against unidentified individuals was registered on Wednesday, June 21.

Reportedly, the cutout was set up by Mankal Vaidya's admirers and Congress leaders at the roadside in Belke. A resident named Narayana Naik, from Belke in the taluk, reported the damage to the police, prompting them to initiate an investigation.