What Action Did the K'taka HC Take Regarding Midnight Raids on Hindu and RSS Activists' Homes?
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Synopsis
The Karnataka High Court intervenes in controversial midnight raids targeting Hindu activists and RSS leaders in Mangaluru. This incident raises serious questions about police conduct and the implications for individual rights amidst escalating communal tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court issues notice regarding police raids.
- Senior citizen U.G. Radha challenges police actions.
- Concerns over violation of individual rights and civil liberties.
- State government implements changes in police leadership.
- New Special Action Force established to manage communal violence.
Bengaluru, June 20 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court has taken significant action by issuing a notice to the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Mangaluru concerning the controversial midnight raids conducted at the homes of Hindu activists and RSS leaders in the sensitive Mangaluru district.
A Division Bench led by Justice Sunil Dutt issued the notice on Friday, with Senior Counsel Arun Shyam representing the petitioner.
The High Court has instructed SP K. Arun to provide all documents related to the raids, while also warning the police department against any unlawful actions.
This order was issued during the hearing of a petition from U.G. Radha, a local resident in Uppinangady, who contested the legality of the police's actions.
Radha, a senior citizen, claimed that on June 1, police officers invaded her home and posted a photograph related to the incident on a departmental application.
She stated in court that when she inquired about their actions, the police justified their behavior by stating they were following orders from higher authorities, yet did not present any documents to validate their actions.
Radha accused the police of infringing upon her individual liberties and fundamental rights, stating, “I was treated like an accused. This has damaged my privacy and reputation, causing both mental and physical trauma.” She is seeking Rs 20 lakh in compensation from the police.
Additionally, Radha has filed complaints with the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), both of which have issued notices to the Mangaluru SP for clarification.
The police actions came in the wake of the murder of Suhas Shetty, a history-sheeter and Hindu activist, which instigated a wave of violent incidents in the Mangaluru area. Following this, the state government replaced both the Mangaluru Police Commissioner and SP, appointing new officials.
In the aftermath, law enforcement initiated a crackdown on Hindu activists and RSS leaders, including issuing externment orders.
Senior RSS figure Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat contested one such externment order in the Karnataka High Court, successfully obtaining a stay.
On June 13, the Karnataka government inaugurated a Special Action Force unit, termed the Communal Violence Control Force, in Mangaluru, intended to curb communal violence and retaliatory killings in the coastal Karnataka and Malnad regions, thereby ensuring public safety.
This specialized force was established in response to incidents of revenge killings, mob lynching, and a series of violent stabbings that endangered law and order in the communally sensitive Mangaluru district.
As tensions escalated across the coastal region, these incidents posed a serious threat to peace in the state.
The government has also indicated that personnel from the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) will be reassigned to this new unit.
On June 9, a delegation from the Karnataka BJP, led by state BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra, visited Mangaluru, warning authorities against intimidating Hindu activists and organizations. They urged the administration to resist governmental pressure.
“We have informed the district administration and police officials to refrain from visiting homes at odd hours to intimidate Hindu activists and organizations,” Vijayendra stated.
He further alleged, “Following the murder of Suhas Shetty, the ruling Congress government is employing police intimidation under the guise of maintaining law and order.”
Vijayendra added, “Police are conducting late-night visits to the residences of our workers. In Sullia and other Assembly constituencies, leaders from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Hindu Jagarana Vedike are being specifically targeted.”
“Law enforcement is knocking on the doors of Hindu leaders at 3 AM. They are taking photographs. In one incident, when a leader was away, a female constable brandished a revolver and threatened his parents, stating, ‘Your son won't be able to move around; he won't even be able to eat; we won't let him sleep,’” Vijayendra claimed.
Point of View
It's vital to emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights. The recent police actions in Mangaluru raise critical concerns about civil liberties and the potential for misuse of power. Our responsibility is to ensure that justice prevails and that the voices of all affected individuals are heard.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Karnataka High Court to issue a notice?
The notice was issued in response to midnight raids on the residences of Hindu activists and RSS leaders in Mangaluru, raising concerns about legality and individual rights.
Who is U.G. Radha?
U.G. Radha is a senior citizen and resident of Uppinangady who filed a petition challenging the police's actions during the raids.
What consequences have occurred following the raids?
The Karnataka government has replaced key police officials in Mangaluru and launched a Special Action Force to address communal violence and ensure law and order.
What are the implications of the police's actions?
The police's conduct has raised serious concerns about individual rights, civil liberties, and the potential misuse of power in sensitive communal situations.
How has the BJP responded to these incidents?
The BJP has warned authorities against intimidating Hindu activists and organizations, asserting that the government is using police intimidation as a guise for maintaining law and order.
