Normalcy returns to Kalladka, Bantwal; security upped

 Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Alok Mohan said teams have been constituted to look into the series of untoward incidents reported from Vittal and Kalladka and the murder of a SDPI activist Mohammed Ashraf Kalai at Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district.

“The state government has taken the issue seriously and none will be spared. IGP (Western Range) P  Harisekharan and Dakshina Kannada SP C H Sudheer Kumar Reddy will be camping in Bantwal and monitor the law and order situation,” Mohan told reporters here. Additional police forces have been deployed in Mangaluru city and across the district, he added.

Normalcy returned to Bantwal, Kalladka, Kaikamba and B C Road on Thursday. Business establishments remained open and vehicular movement was normal.

As a precautionary measure, Mangaluru city police commissioner has imposed ban orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Mangaluru city police commissionerate jurisdiction till June 27 midnight. Accordingly, processions and movement of people in groups have been banned.

Mohan said people behind the conspiracy of disturbing peace in the region will be arrested. The police have clues about murderers of Ashraf, he added.

Noting that the police have taken preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur in the district, Mohan said that the police are keeping an eye on rowdy and communal elements. All efforts are being made to streamline policing in Dakshina Kannada district, to ensure effective policing, he added.

To a query, he said that IGP Harisekharan has been directed to probe into the allegations of police lapses that led to communal clash at Kalladka. The IGP will submit a report shortly. Asked whether Additional SP Dr C B Vedamurthy has been sent on compulsory leave, he just said ‘yes’ and did not elaborate.