Why are there three stabbing incidents in Karnataka’s Mangaluru after the murder of a Hindu activist?

Synopsis
The recent stabbing incidents in Mangaluru raise serious security concerns following the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty. With police presence heightened, the retaliatory attacks and ongoing investigations highlight the growing tensions in the region. What actions are being taken to restore peace?
Key Takeaways
- Three stabbings occurred in Mangaluru following the murder of a Hindu activist.
- The incidents have raised serious security concerns.
- Authorities are investigating potential retaliatory motives behind the attacks.
- There is a call for the National Investigation Agency to handle the case.
- Community leaders are urging residents to remain calm amid rising tensions.
Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 2 (NationPress) On Friday, the communally sensitive area of Mangaluru witnessed at least three stabbing incidents following the violent death of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty at the hands of a gang on May 1. These events have sparked alarm, especially given the substantial police presence in the district.
According to law enforcement officials, the stabbings occurred in the regions of Kannur, Konchadi, and Ullal, all in proximity to Mangaluru city. The victims, Faisal from Ullal, Mohammad Lukman from Konchadi, and Irshad from Kannur, are currently receiving medical care.
Authorities reported that these violent acts were executed late Thursday night and early Friday morning as a form of retaliation for Suhas Shetty's murder.
In a different yet related incident, police in Udupi apprehended two individuals attempting to assault an auto driver named Aboobkar late Thursday. The suspects, identified as Sushanth and Sandesh Poojari, reportedly used a sword and glass bottles in their attack. Aboobkar, however, managed to evade and lodged a complaint at the Hiriyadka police station.
During questioning, the suspects purportedly admitted that their assault was motivated by a desire to avenge Suhas Shetty’s death. The investigation is ongoing.
Furthermore, authorities are probing a viral social media post linked to Shetty's murder. The post from the Instagram account 'Troll_mayadiaka' seemed to celebrate the act, including the message, “Wait for the next wicket.” Prior to this incident, another account, 'Target Killer-03', had shared a photo of Suhas Shetty with a warning of impending revenge.
In the wake of these developments, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to transfer the investigation of Shetty's murder to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Suhas Shetty was a Bajrang Dal activist, previously implicated in the murder of Mohammad Fazil, a Suratkal local who was killed in a public setting on July 28, 2022. This earlier murder was said to be a reaction to the killing of BJP activist Praveen Kumar Nettaru.
Nettaru was murdered during the height of the hijab controversy in Bellare, near Sullia, Dakshina Kannada district, triggering a wave of retaliatory attacks across the state.
Shetty had recently been granted bail in the Fazil case.
Karnataka's Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, expressed his condemnation of the murder, assuring that those responsible will be held accountable and urging the community to maintain order.
“We will not spare the killers,” he affirmed.
“I urge Mangaluru's residents to remain calm. The government supports you, and the police are dedicated to sustaining law and order,” he stated.
BJP MLC and Opposition Chief Whip N. Ravikumar raised serious concerns, questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement in Karnataka. He criticized the government following the murder of Suhas Shetty, asserting that the state has devolved into a state of disorder.
Ravikumar questioned the actions of the Home Minister, Chief Minister, and Deputy Chief Minister in light of the ongoing violence, highlighting the challenges faced by the state police and leadership.
He also recalled a previous bombing incident in Mangaluru, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and effective governance amidst rising violence.