Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City police have taken bonds assuring good conduct from as many as 895 persons who are suspected of possible involvement in criminal activities or actions that could lead to a breach of peace. The move, according to the police, is part of a preventive strategy aimed at maintaining public order and ensuring communal harmony in the region.

Bonds taken as preventive measure

In a detailed statement issued by Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, it was clarified that the police action was taken strictly on the basis of facts and assessments related to law and order, and not on the basis of community or political affiliation. He stated that bonds are taken from individuals whom the police reasonably believe may indulge in activities that could disturb peace or involve criminal conduct.

Out of the total 895 persons from whom bonds were taken, 807 individuals were listed as rowdy sheeters, indicating previous police records or repeated involvement in offences. The remaining persons were identified based on intelligence inputs and local assessments.

Forfeiture of bonds and financial details

The Police Commissioner revealed that bonds of 54 persons were forfeited after they violated the conditions imposed on them. The total forfeited amount stands at ₹10.15 lakh. He added that forfeiture proceedings are currently underway in several other cases where bond conditions were breached.

Of the 54 individuals who violated bond conditions and were found to be involved in offences, 39 were Hindus and 13 were Muslims. These figures, according to the police, demonstrate that violations are dealt with strictly on the basis of conduct rather than identity.

Community-wise data placed on record

Providing further clarity amid allegations of selective action, Mr. Reddy stated that of the 895 persons from whom bonds were taken, 521 were Hindus and 351 were Muslims. The remaining belonged to other communities. He said the data itself clearly establishes that police action is balanced and based on individual behaviour.

“The facts clearly show that there are people who have violated bond conditions and are involved in offences,” the Police Commissioner stated, adding that most of the bonds in such cases have already been forfeited.

Response to protest and allegations

Mr. Reddy’s statement came in the backdrop of a protest organised by some leaders and activists of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) on Friday. During the protest, questions were raised regarding the police decision to take bonds from certain SDPI activists. The protesters also demanded details of the number of activists from Sangh Parivar organisations from whom bonds had been taken.

Responding to these concerns, the Police Commissioner said that police have the legal authority to take bonds from any individual if there is apprehension of breach of peace, hate speech, or involvement in offences. He emphasised that such action would continue in the future whenever necessary.

Police action before sensitive events

The police further clarified that in the past six months, bonds were taken from two members of Hindu organisations ahead of the Sharadotsava procession as a precautionary step. Similarly, bonds were taken from two persons associated with SDPI prior to the recent protest, as the police anticipated the possibility of disturbance or inflammatory speech.

Mr. Reddy noted that preventive measures are routine policing tools and are applied uniformly ahead of events that may have the potential to escalate tensions.

Appeal against misinformation

Expressing concern over selective presentation of facts, the Police Commissioner stated that it has become common in the region for certain groups to portray themselves as victims while withholding complete information. He urged that facts should be shared in a coherent and transparent manner rather than being used to mislead or provoke innocent people.

He also remarked that the balance in crime statistics is not determined by the police but by the conduct of individuals. “If people do not commit offences, the number of bonds taken from them will be less. If offences are more, the numbers will naturally be higher,” he said.

Suo motu case registered

Meanwhile, the Bantwal Rural police have registered a suo motu case in connection with the circulation of video clips from the SDPI protest held on Friday. According to the police, the clips contained selective and misleading references to decisions of district courts and the High Court of Karnataka.

The police stated that the information was deliberately circulated to create confusion among the public. Legal action has been initiated to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order.

Conclusion

The police have reiterated that preventive action, including taking bonds and initiating legal proceedings, is essential to maintaining peace and order. Authorities have appealed to the public to verify facts, avoid misinformation, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure harmony and safety for all.