Udupi: Former deputy superintendent of police (DySP) Anupama Shenoy has called on the Karnataka government to publicly clarify the legal basis for the continuation of the Special Action Force (SAF), which has been operating in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Shivamogga districts since its constitution in 2025.
Addressing a press conference in Udupi, Shenoy questioned the necessity of retaining the force when the state government has repeatedly stated that naxal-related activities in Karnataka have been brought under control. She urged the government to explain under what legal framework the SAF was constituted and why it continues to function in the three districts.
Questions raised over continuation of SAF
Speaking to reporters, Anupama Shenoy said the government should provide a transparent explanation regarding the continued deployment of the Special Action Force in the coastal and Malnad regions.
She noted that the government has maintained that the security situation has improved and that naxal-related activities have largely been contained. In this context, she questioned why a special force continues to operate in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Shivamogga.
According to Shenoy, a public clarification would help address questions regarding the force’s role and necessity.
Seeks legal clarification from government
Anupama Shenoy stated that the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) had been downsized before the formation of the Special Action Force.
However, she alleged that the government has not publicly explained the legal provisions or statutory framework under which the SAF was established.
She urged the state government, including the Chief Minister, to clarify the legal validity of the force and the authority under which it continues to function.
Refers to earlier political remarks
During the press conference, Shenoy also referred to earlier political remarks attributed to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar regarding electoral support in the coastal region.
She questioned why a special force had been deployed specifically in the coastal districts if the perception was that the region did not politically support the ruling party.
She said the government should explain the rationale behind concentrating the force in these districts.
Raises questions on the force’s purpose
Anupama Shenoy also referred to the Chinnayya Burude case, which came to public attention after the formation of the Special Action Force.
She noted that the government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate that case, but questioned the broader objective behind establishing the SAF.
According to Shenoy, the government should clearly explain whether the force was constituted solely for maintaining law and order or for any other specific purpose.
She also said that developments following the Chinnayya Burude case had altered the situation and questioned whether the continued deployment of the SAF in the coastal districts remained necessary.
Calls for transparency on public expenditure
Highlighting that the Special Action Force is funded through public money, Shenoy said the government should periodically review the necessity of maintaining such specialised units.
She argued that if the government concludes the force is no longer required, it should consider disbanding it and redirecting the expenditure towards developmental activities and the implementation of public welfare schemes.
Shenoy maintained that greater transparency regarding the functioning, legal status and objectives of the SAF would help address public concerns and ensure accountability in the use of government resources.
The Karnataka government has not issued an official response to the remarks made by Anupama Shenoy at the time of publication.