Suhas Shetty Murder: Liquor Sale Banned in Mangaluru
As per the orders, liquor sales in the taluks of Bantwal, Belthangady, Puttur, Kadaba, and Sullia have been banned from May 2 until 6 am on May 3
Mangaluru: In a bid to prevent potential unrest and maintain public order following the murder of Suhas Shetty in Bajpe, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has imposed a liquor ban across several parts of the district, including five taluks and the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate limits.
Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Mullai Muhilan M.P. issued two separate orders under Section 21(1) of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, following requests from both the Superintendent of Police and the Mangaluru Police Commissioner. Officials raised concerns that the situation in the region was “volatile” and that anti-social elements could exploit the tensions by consuming alcohol and triggering violence.
As per the orders, liquor sales in the taluks of Bantwal, Belthangady, Puttur, Kadaba, and Sullia have been banned from May 2 until 6 am on May 3. In the Mangaluru Police Commissionerate limits, the ban is effective from 6 am on May 2 and will continue until 6 am on May 4. The ban covers all types of liquor outlets including bars, wine stores, beer shops, and toddy shops, and also prohibits private stockpiling of intoxicants.
The Excise Department has been directed to strictly enforce the order by sealing licensed outlets during the prohibition period.
The decision follows the killing of Suhas Shetty, a known history-sheeter and an accused in the 2022 Fazil murder case. Shetty was hacked to death by a group of assailants on Wednesday night near Kinnipadavu Cross under the Bajpe Police Station limits. Police suspect it to be a retaliatory killing, sparking fears of communal tension and possible violence.
In response to the murder, authorities have heightened security measures across Dakshina Kannada and deployed additional police forces in sensitive areas. The district administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with the restrictions and help maintain peace in the region.
