Mangaluru: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy on Wednesday issued a stern warning that while persons found to be residing illegally will face legal inquiry and deportation as per law, strict action will also be taken against anyone who attacks others based merely on suspicion. He made it clear that vigilantism and mob behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Addressing media persons, the police commissioner said recent incidents and social media messages had the potential to disturb public order and target innocent individuals. He stressed that only the police and authorised agencies have the mandate to verify citizenship status and take action under the law.
FIRs registered over provocative WhatsApp messages
The police commissioner referred to a provocative message circulated in a WhatsApp group named ‘Hindu Geleyara Balaga’. According to him, the message alleged that certain people were running businesses by displaying a board reading ‘Bengali Canteen’ behind the Rao and Rao Circle auto-rickshaw stand and claimed that the police department was deliberately ignoring the matter.
“The message also urged members of certain organisations to share the issue widely, which could have led to law-and-order problems,” the commissioner said. He added that the police have already registered FIRs against two individuals for posting such content and that both will be arrested soon.
He said the police are closely monitoring social media platforms and messaging groups where such provocative and misleading messages are being circulated, and action will be taken against those responsible.
Police clarify facts after verification
Clarifying the matter mentioned in the WhatsApp message, the police commissioner said the background of the family running the business had been verified thoroughly. “Property has been purchased in their name as early as 2014. There is no evidence to suggest that they are not Indian citizens,” he stated.
He emphasised that spreading unverified claims and naming individuals or families without proof can lead to serious consequences. Such actions, he said, not only harm innocent people but also undermine public trust and communal harmony.
Warning against targeting migrant workers
The police commissioner expressed concern over messages being circulated on WhatsApp and other platforms that could incite attacks on innocent individuals, particularly migrant workers. He said the police have already taken action in cases involving attacks on Indian migrant workers in the city.
“Several workers from different states come here to earn a livelihood. Targeting them based on rumours or assumptions is unacceptable and illegal,” he said, adding that those involved in such attacks will be booked under relevant sections of the law.
Procedure to report suspected illegal residents
Sudheer Kumar Reddy said that if anyone has credible information about persons suspected to be from Bangladesh or residing illegally, such information should be shared only with the police. “People can approach their nearest police station, assistant commissioners of police, or even the police commissioner’s office,” he said.
He assured that all such information would be verified properly and objectively. “If it is found that a person is residing illegally, legal action will be initiated and deportation will be carried out strictly in accordance with the law,” he added.
Legal action for spreading false allegations
The police commissioner warned that anyone who brands an Indian citizen as Bangladeshi based merely on suspicion or circulates messages that instigate attacks on individuals or groups will face strict legal action.
“Sharing personal details, photographs, or business information of individuals and labelling them as illegal immigrants without proof is a serious offence,” he said. Such acts, he added, could attract multiple charges, including those related to incitement, defamation and disturbing public peace.
Vigilantism will not be tolerated
Reiterating that attacking anyone is a criminal offence, the police commissioner said this applies even in cases where a person is suspected of residing illegally. “The law is very clear. No individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands,” he said.
He added that cases will be registered against offenders and detailed investigations will be carried out. “Even those who believe they are above the law or do not respect legal procedures will be dealt with strictly as per legal provisions,” he cautioned.
Conclusion
The police commissioner’s warning comes amid heightened sensitivity over social media misinformation and isolated incidents of violence. By reiterating the importance of due process and lawful reporting, the police have sought to reassure citizens that action against illegal activities will be taken strictly within the framework of the law, while simultaneously sending a strong message that suspicion-driven attacks and hate campaigns will invite serious consequences.