District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai said that people conspiring criminal activities to create communal disturbances should be arrested, along with those who carry out the crime.

Addressing mediapersons at the District Congress Committee office at Mallikatta on Tuesday, he said that in the wake of communal tension in Kalladka recently, some communal forces are trying to create a chaotic situation by posting rumours on social networking sites. “People should not pay heed to such content but remain calm.

Being a secular leader, I have batted for communal harmony and oppose communalism. I did not take a back step although I received threat calls from underground”, he said and added that he has spoken to the chief minister and higher level police officials and urged the arrest of those guilty of communal riots as well. He said he is in touch with Intelligence IG and DGP.

The minister said that during the recent clashes in Kalladka, leaders of Hindu outfits tried to pose hurdles to law and order situation. “It was necessary to bring the situation under control, which was why I insisted the former SP to lodge cases against Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, who is known for delivering provocative speeches,” said the minister.

‘Not misused situation’

Rai said that he has been handling issues of communal riots for a long time. “But, I have not misused the situation to create communal clashes, unlike Sangh Pariwar leaders. Many a times, I have risked my life, to keep peace and order”, he said.

“A selected portion of the discussion with the former SP at the Bantwal Inspection Bungalow was circulated in the social media, so as to form an opinion. I have, however, been consistent in my demand to the Police Department to initiate serious action against those who politicise communal issues and conspire to kill people,” he insisted.

Rai added that Bhuvith Shetty and Mithun, who were involved in the murders of Harish and Nazir, are from Sangh Pariwar. The prime accused in the murder of Ashraf Kalayi in Benjanapadavu, was seated beside RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat who conducted a press conference recently. Those who are behind Karopadi Gram Panchayat vice president Jalil’s murder are absconding. Control of Organised Crime Act will be invoked on them, if the situation demands, he assured.

Reacting to a query on Pejawar seer hosting Iftar, Rai said that Pramod Muthalik is habitual of finding fault in almost everything and this mentality of opposing a move of communal harmony is not right.