Mangaluru: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president and MLC Manjunath Bhandary has appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take swift and assertive steps to restore normalcy in Dakshina Kannada, where recent murders and violent incidents have created fear and hindered development.
Bhandary proposed setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of an ADGP to probe the three recent killings—those of Ashraf, Suhas Shetty, and Abdul Rahiman. He also urged for the appointment of special public prosecutors to ensure fast-track and unbiased trials.
Calling for stern action against communal elements named in FIRs, Bhandary said those delivering hate speeches must be penalised, and compensation should be given to the families of innocent victims. He pressed for strict control over provocative content on social media and demanded action against those spreading fake or inflammatory posts.
To curb lawlessness, he recommended 24/7 surveillance of known rowdy-sheeters and monthly police parades to prevent repeat offences. He also suggested reviewing gun licences held by those with criminal records and carrying out intelligence-based crackdowns on illegal arms.
Bhandary emphasised strengthening the district intelligence network and launching anti-drug operations to disrupt extremist funding. He stated that event organisers must be held legally accountable for any violence during unauthorised gatherings.
He further proposed a closed-door meeting led by the Home Minister or Deputy CM with local industrialists to build a united front against communal unrest, in addition to police and administrative reforms, and a law to curb online misinformation. He called for quarterly peace meetings at the district level.
Read Also: