Mangaluru: SDPI District President Anwar Sadat has strongly criticized the police department for its failure to prevent the killing of Abdul Rehman, claiming it was a retaliatory act following the murder of Suhas Shetty.
He stated that Srikanth Shetty’s provocative speech during the Bajpe Chalo event was a contributing factor, and blamed the earlier inaction by the police as the root cause behind the chain of events. The aftermath of these incidents, he said, led to a reshuffle in district police leadership.
Anwar Sadat acknowledged that the newly appointed Commissioner and SP brought in some positive reforms. However, he alleged that the arrival of R. Ashok and Vijayendra resulted in undue political pressure on the police, and that they even admitted to warning officers openly.
Following their visit, law enforcement operations slowed down, and the initial tough stance by the police began to wane, according to Sadat. He alleged that the police now issue notices for almost every issue, while the real culprits behind recent killings remain at large.
He accused Bharat Kumdelu and Srikanth Shetty of making instigating statements, but noted that even after a month, no arrests have been made. Meanwhile, those expressing opinions on social media or through protests are being targeted.
He condemned the increasing use of new laws to stifle free speech, while the prime accused walk free. Sadat demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killings of Rehman and Ashraf, and urged the government to grant ₹50 lakh compensation to each bereaved family.