In a decisive move to address rising communal unrest, the Karnataka government has established a dedicated Communal Violence Control Force to maintain peace in the coastal and Malnad regions of the state. The force will be led by Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy.
As per a statement from the home department, 248 officers have been assigned to this special task force, which will function under the supervision of Western Range IGP Amit Singh until further notice. The team’s primary focus will be areas prone to communal strife, particularly Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts.
To strengthen the unit’s capabilities, the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police M A Saleem has mobilized a team that includes three seasoned inspectors previously attached to the Anti-Naxal Force.
The force was constituted in response to recent violent incidents, including the May 1 killing of rowdy-sheeter and Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru. Shetty, who had five pending cases, was also the main accused in the 2022 murder of Mohammed Fazil. Another case that triggered concern was the murder of Abdul Rahiman, 32, on May 27 in Bantwal taluk while unloading sand.
The government has plans to gradually increase the size of the unit. Members of this force will be equipped with special powers, distinctive uniforms, and dedicated vehicles to ensure rapid response.
To prepare them for their unique role, officers will undergo specialized training at the Police Training Centre in Karkala, Udupi.
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