Why Are Hindu Groups Protesting After Suhas Shetty's Murder?

Chikkamagaluru, May 5 (NationPress) - In a significant move, Karnataka Police apprehended over 20 Hindu activists in Chikkamagaluru today as they attempted to stage a protest march against the murder of Suhas Shetty (42), a Hindu activist and known rowdy sheeter, in Mangaluru.

The protest, termed a bandh, was initiated by various Hindu organizations including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

Despite the Chikkamagaluru district administration denying permission for the bandh, many shops and businesses opted to close their doors, even though some began to reopen later in the day.

Normalcy was disrupted in Mudigere Taluk and the border regions between Chikkamagaluru and Mangaluru, where shops remained closed. The bandh received considerable backing in rural areas, with both citizens and shopkeepers participating actively.

Among those detained were prominent Hindu activists, including BJP District President Devaraj Shetty, who were marching from Omkareshwara Temple to Hanumanthappa Circle, chanting slogans in tribute to the deceased activist.

Authorities imposed prohibitory orders as no organization had secured prior permission for the bandh. Chikkamagaluru was under heightened police surveillance, reflecting the region’s history of communal strife.

While Section 144 was in effect in the city, local groups in rural areas reportedly continued their protests, disregarding the law.

In a statement to the press in Udupi, former BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel criticized the Congress-led government in Karnataka, alleging that many ministers had a criminal past.

“The government must clarify whether those in power are indeed rowdies. There have been no cases against Suhas Shetty for the past two years. It is the judiciary that should determine whether he was a rowdy sheeter, not Home Minister G. Parameshwara. His murder was a targeted attack against a Hindu activist,” Kateel asserted.

He alleged that individuals advocating for Hindu rights are being systematically attacked, suggesting a coordinated effort behind Shetty’s murder. “The portrayal of Suhas Shetty as a rowdy must cease, and appropriate measures should be taken,” he insisted.

Commenting on the establishment of a task force to address communal violence, Kateel argued that the government’s intentions were misguided. “This task force seems focused on arresting Hindu activists rather than delivering justice universally,” he remarked.

Kateel pointed out that under the leadership of Siddaramaiah, Hindu activists face increasing threats and violence. He noted a disturbing trend where no action is taken against anti-national sentiments, yet Hindu activists are targeted with threats, labeling this as a form of terrorism against Hindus in the state.

He also accused Muslim leaders of causing unrest during a meeting with Home Minister G. Parameshwara in Mangaluru, where local MLAs were excluded from participation.