Mangaluru: KPCC Working President Writes To CM Siddaramaiah

Mangaluru: KPCC Working President Manjunath Bhandary has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take immediate and strict action to tackle the rising communal unrest in Dakshina Kannada district.

In a detailed letter, Bhandary recommended the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to investigate the three murders and stabbing incidents that occurred in the last two months.

“Communal clashes continue to erupt in Dakshina Kannada district, with incidents of murder and stabbings occurring within just a few months. These disturbing events, triggered by a handful of anti-social elements and provocative statements, are disrupting the peace of the people in the region. Such incidents have not only brought a blot on the image of the coastal districts but also pose a setback to development,” he stated.

He added that if not brought under control, this communal mindset may one day spread to other parts of the state as well.

“It is evident that behind these incidents lies not only religious extremism but also political conspiracy, a fact that has been exposed time and again,” he stated.

Bhandary called on the state government to act swiftly and impartially. He recommended the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to investigate the incidents thoroughly.

He also urged the appointment of special public prosecutors to ensure speedy and effective prosecution of those involved.

Bhandary pointed out that several FIRs have already been registered against communal elements in various police stations, and emphasized that strict legal action must follow. He recalled that the Home Minister had visited the district and promised action against those delivering provocative speeches, and said it was now time to implement those assurances and take tough legal measures. Expressing concern over the recurring loss of innocent lives, he urged the police to act decisively and show zero tolerance towards those involved in such crimes.

He further insisted that the background of the victims be verified, and if found to be innocent, their families should be provided with appropriate financial compensation from the government. Bhandary expressed alarm over the unchecked spread of provocative content on social media and said that although cases have been filed against such individuals, no arrests have been made. He called for immediate and stern action against them.

He also demanded that the police keep a close watch on all rowdy-sheeters within the jurisdiction of the Commissionerate and District SP, and hold mandatory monthly parades. Bhandary raised concern over gun licenses issued to those with criminal backgrounds, urging a review and crackdown on illegal arms possession through intelligence operations. He stressed the need to strengthen the intelligence network in the coastal region and called for an intensified drive against drugs and narcotics.

Bhandary said many individuals were amassing wealth through unlawful means and channeling it into anti-social activities. He urged the government to enforce a complete clampdown on such rackets. Police, he said, must monitor the activities of leaders of communal outfits closely, and organizers of unauthorized public gatherings or processions must be held accountable for any resulting unrest.

To formulate effective strategies against communal violence, Bhandary suggested convening an in-camera meeting with prominent industrialists from the region under the leadership of the Home Minister or Deputy Chief Minister. He also advocated for sweeping administrative changes in both the police and district machinery to restore public trust.

Cautioning against deliberate lapses within the police force, Bhandary demanded accountability and action against negligent officers, along with measures to eliminate bias. He also called for strict action against media houses spreading fake news and proposed the introduction of a special law to curb provocative and misleading content on social media. Bhandary stressed the importance of holding peace meetings at the district level at least once every three months to promote harmony.