<p>Mangaluru: In light of recent incidents involving the killing of Hindu activists, the growing menace of drug, and concerns about sleeper cells operating in Bhatkal, Kasaragod and other coastal regions, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to expedite the establishment of a National Investigation Agency (NIA) office in Mangaluru.<br></p><p>The MP who met the Home Minister at his office highlighted Mangaluru’s strategic and sensitive geographical location and its proximity to areas known for extremist activities. </p>.Clear all illegal shops by sides of National Highways: Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta.<p>“Some recent incidents have shown that anti-national elements have set their sights on this region,” he said.<br></p><p>Chowta expressed deep concern over the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), which, he noted, continues to function in a new political guise under the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). He accused the outfit of misusing democratic platforms to push its fundamentalist agenda.</p>.NIA arrives in Mangaluru to investigate Suhas Shetty's murder .<p>Over the past decade, the region has witnessed an increase in terror-related activities and arrests. In the case of the murder of BJP activist Praveen Nettaru, the NIA arrested 21 individuals, including key PFI members. The probe also uncovered the existence of the covert “service team” within PFI, secret meetings, and training camps — further emphasising the need for a stronger NIA presence in the region.<br><br>MP Chowta said that a permanent, well-equipped NIA office in Mangaluru is essential for better coordination of intelligence and effective counter-terrorism operations. “Such an office would benefit not just Mangaluru but the entire southern region of India by strengthening the overall security infrastructure,” he said.</p><p>In addition to the security threats, Chowta raised the issue of growing drug trafficking in the region. Referring to a major seizure in March this year, he noted that 37 kg of MDMA worth Rs 75 crore was confiscated by Mangaluru police, and two foreign nationals involved in an international drug syndicate were arrested. </p><p>According to official data, over 375 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases have been registered in the district this year alone, with more than 67 arrests. </p><p>The MP emphasised that drug networks not only fund terrorism but also contribute to social instability, crime, and border security threats, ultimately endangering national security.<br></p><p>The NIA has recently increased its operations in Mangaluru, bolstering public confidence in its efforts to combat jihadist extremism, organized crime, and cross-border smuggling. Chowta urged the Home Minister to consider this growing trust and urgency by establishing a fully functional, permanent NIA office with integrated intelligence coordination capabilities in Mangaluru.</p>
<p>Mangaluru: In light of recent incidents involving the killing of Hindu activists, the growing menace of drug, and concerns about sleeper cells operating in Bhatkal, Kasaragod and other coastal regions, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to expedite the establishment of a National Investigation Agency (NIA) office in Mangaluru.<br></p><p>The MP who met the Home Minister at his office highlighted Mangaluru’s strategic and sensitive geographical location and its proximity to areas known for extremist activities. </p>.Clear all illegal shops by sides of National Highways: Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta.<p>“Some recent incidents have shown that anti-national elements have set their sights on this region,” he said.<br></p><p>Chowta expressed deep concern over the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), which, he noted, continues to function in a new political guise under the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). He accused the outfit of misusing democratic platforms to push its fundamentalist agenda.</p>.NIA arrives in Mangaluru to investigate Suhas Shetty's murder .<p>Over the past decade, the region has witnessed an increase in terror-related activities and arrests. In the case of the murder of BJP activist Praveen Nettaru, the NIA arrested 21 individuals, including key PFI members. The probe also uncovered the existence of the covert “service team” within PFI, secret meetings, and training camps — further emphasising the need for a stronger NIA presence in the region.<br><br>MP Chowta said that a permanent, well-equipped NIA office in Mangaluru is essential for better coordination of intelligence and effective counter-terrorism operations. “Such an office would benefit not just Mangaluru but the entire southern region of India by strengthening the overall security infrastructure,” he said.</p><p>In addition to the security threats, Chowta raised the issue of growing drug trafficking in the region. Referring to a major seizure in March this year, he noted that 37 kg of MDMA worth Rs 75 crore was confiscated by Mangaluru police, and two foreign nationals involved in an international drug syndicate were arrested. </p><p>According to official data, over 375 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases have been registered in the district this year alone, with more than 67 arrests. </p><p>The MP emphasised that drug networks not only fund terrorism but also contribute to social instability, crime, and border security threats, ultimately endangering national security.<br></p><p>The NIA has recently increased its operations in Mangaluru, bolstering public confidence in its efforts to combat jihadist extremism, organized crime, and cross-border smuggling. Chowta urged the Home Minister to consider this growing trust and urgency by establishing a fully functional, permanent NIA office with integrated intelligence coordination capabilities in Mangaluru.</p>