Why Were Mangaluru IPS Officers Transferred Based on Local Sentiments?

Bengaluru, May 30 (NationPress) The recent transfers of the Mangaluru Police Commissioner and Superintendent of Police were driven by the sentiments and requests of the local populace following incidents of mob lynching, revenge killings, and stabbing events, as stated by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday.

While addressing reporters amid rising tensions in the coastal area, he remarked: "We made these transfers because the local community strongly expressed their need for it. During my last visit, there was a significant demand for the replacement of certain officials. Although we felt it wasn't suitable to act immediately, the repeated calls for change have led us to implement these adjustments now."

The minister emphasized that the state government is approaching the recent occurrences in the Mangaluru district with utmost seriousness. "Regardless of public opinion, we will not tolerate such incidents. Peace must be maintained in the region. Mangaluru is recognized as a model district for education and economic development. Anyone trying to disturb the peace will face consequences," he cautioned.

“The citizens in the coastal area are responsible and aware, and ensuring peace is paramount. Can the government remain passive during such turmoil?” he questioned.

Regarding the transfers, he stated: "Due to the unavoidable situation, the Mangaluru Police Commissioner, Mangaluru SP, and Udupi SP have been reassigned. They have been directed to enforce strict measures. We cannot allow such incidents to recur. I urge the community to cooperate with us."

On the creation of a task force to prevent communal violence, he mentioned: "Some time is necessary for its formation. I discussed with the DG on Thursday regarding the deployment of the task force and the powers it should hold. This task force will be stationed in Udupi, Mangaluru, and Shivamogga."

“We will address inflammatory speeches. Actions will be taken within the legal framework. Numerous cases face delays or are dismissed in courts. We must navigate these complexities carefully. Additionally, we will regulate unnecessary social media posts,” Parameshwara noted.

On Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao's hesitation to assume charge of Mangaluru district, Parameshwara remarked: "He has expressed this from the outset. His statement hasn’t changed after recent events. He believes it would be better if someone local took charge due to his distance. The decision is ultimately up to the Chief Minister."

"We will not overlook any part of the state – whether coastal, north Karnataka, or elsewhere. No district will be sidelined. The coastal region requires heightened attention, and we will ensure that," he affirmed.

The Home Minister confirmed that the government is probing the underlying causes of the incidents and identifying those responsible. "Whether these incidents are politically motivated or driven by other factors, strict action will be pursued against those involved."

In response to a string of events involving mob lynching, revenge killings, and multiple stabbings in the Mangaluru area, the Karnataka government replaced senior police officials.

A new SP has also been appointed for the adjacent Udupi district.

As per the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the government has taken decisive action by transferring senior police officers from the coastal districts due to escalating unrest.

This decision followed the mass resignation of several minority community representatives in Mangaluru district from the Congress party, citing police inaction regarding recent violent incidents, including multiple stabbings and the murder of Abdul Raheem.

Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal has been succeeded by Sudheer Kumar Reddy, previously the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Intelligence.

Arun K. has been appointed as the new SP for the Mangaluru district, taking over from N. Yathish, who has not been reassigned. Hariram Shankar has been designated as the SP for Udupi district.

The minority community leaders previously announced their intention to resign en masse on May 29, following the funeral of Abdul Raheem, who was killed by a group of 15 assailants on Tuesday.

Thousands of party workers gathered at Shaadi Mahal in Bolar locality on Thursday. Initially hesitant to resign after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's intervention, leaders were ultimately urged by the crowd to announce their resignations publicly before the media.

The communally sensitive Mangaluru district and coastal Karnataka remain on edge following the murder of a 34-year-old man within the Bantwal Rural Police Station's jurisdiction.

Additional police forces have been deployed to oversee the situation, and prohibitory orders have been enacted in the district until the evening of May 30.

A group of assailants fatally attacked Abdul Raheem, a resident of Koltamajal near Irakodi, close to Bantwal town, on Tuesday.

This incident occurred less than a month after the murder of Hindu activist and rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty, leading to suspicions that Abdul Raheem's death was retaliatory in nature.

Leaders from the Muslim community have held protests in Mangaluru, demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators. They claim the incident was incited by inflammatory remarks from Hindu activists and leaders following Shetty’s murder.

Abdul Raheem was a goods vehicle driver and served as the secretary of a local mosque. He is survived by two children.

Police confirmed that he had no criminal record and was not affiliated with any organization.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been filed against 15 individuals, with four arrests made.