Dakshina Kannada cops book RSS leader, look to extern BJP leader

Mangaluru: Amid the string of communal attacks that roiled Dakshina Kannada, the Bantwal Rural police have filed a case against RSS leader Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat for allegedly making provocative statements aimed at triggering unrest in society.  

Authorities are also considering to extern BJP leader Arun Kumar Puthila to the jurisdiction of Shahabad police station in Kalaburagi district under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act and a similar measure against 36 anti-social elements from Belthangady taluk.

The office of Puttur assistant commissioner issued a notice directing Puthila to appear for a hearing on June 6 over an FIR registered against 15 youth for protesting in front of Kabada police station without permission.

“We have compiled a list of leaders of communal organisations and are now closely monitoring their activities,” said DK Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K.

“A string of murders that took place within a month has led to deterioration of law and order in Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada district. After analysing the murders that took place during the past 10 years, it has been found that the accused persons were in contact with communal organisations,” the SP said.

As a precautionary measure, Arun said they have prepared a list of leaders of communal organisations.

“Objections have been raised against the police for visiting the houses of leaders of such communal organisations,” said Arun. “Some youth even staged a protest in front of Kadaba police station on Sunday night. Leaders even threatened to bring their family members and conduct protests in front of the station. Stern action will be initiated against those who prevent police personnel from discharging their duties,” he warned.

FIRs have been registered against the 15 youth who staged dharna at Kadaba station and legal action will be initiated against the accused. “If family members conduct a protest, action will also be initiated against them,” he said.

Crackdown against anti-social elements

Police in Dakshina Kannada have initiated externment proceedings against 36 anti-social elements, including Mahesh Shetty Thimaroady, from Belthangady taluk.

According to sources, Bantwal topped the list with 10 anti-social elements.