Bengaluru, Feb 26 (NationPress) In a significant move, senior BJP figure and former Karnataka Minister B. Sriramulu has reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to request an urgent technical assessment by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the state's law and order status. He highlighted the increasing instances of communal unrest and the perceived targeting of Hindu activists.

In his correspondence, Sriramulu called on the MHA to investigate what he characterized as a troubling trend of rising communal discord, including attacks on individuals associated with Hindu groups and the recurring application of prohibitory measures in sensitive regions. He clarified that his request was not meant to interfere with ongoing probes but rather to spotlight preventable conflicts and advocate for standardized preventive and investigative strategies.

The letter referenced an event on February 20, during the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti procession in Bagalkot's historic town, where stone-pelting incidents occurred near a mosque as the procession moved through the area. Following this, the district administration prolonged prohibitory orders until February 28, issued notices to several individuals, and enhanced police presence in sensitive locations.

Sriramulu emphasized the necessity for better standardization in managing event routes, preventive policing, and intelligence-driven initiatives to avert such escalations.

Additionally, he expressed concern over a growing belief among Hindu organizations that their youth and activists face targeted attacks or counter-litigation.

Citing the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty, a rowdy sheeter, in Mangaluru on May 1, 2025, he described him as linked to Hindu organizations. This murder led to heightened tensions and prompted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct related raids, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Sriramulu also pointed to an incident on February 18 in Gangavathi, Koppal, where a Hindu youth named Venkatesh was reportedly attacked, stirring protests from Hindu organizations that alleged the victim was involved in a counter-case. He stressed that such occurrences necessitate transparent and victim-focused policing to uphold public trust.

He further recalled prior incidents, such as a mob assault on the Udayagiri police station in Mysuru in February 2025, stone-pelting during an Eid Milad procession in Shivamogga in October 2023, and clashes during a Ganesh immersion event in Mandya district in September 2024. These cases reveal ongoing difficulties in managing sensitive events and ensuring public order.

In his letter, Sriramulu requested the MHA to hold a review meeting with Karnataka's Home Department and Director General of Police to evaluate districts plagued by recurrent incidents, intelligence deficiencies, and legal outcomes in riot and targeted killing cases.

He also advocated for the establishment of uniform standard operating procedures (SOPs) for public procession management, including route planning, timing limitations, and security measures. He suggested conducting district-specific threat assessments for activists and youth leaders across various communities and creating a time-sensitive tracking system for investigations into targeted assaults.

Furthermore, he called for central assistance for police modernization, riot control training, and improved intelligence collaboration in districts frequently experiencing communal strife.

Stressing that Karnataka has historically been a symbol of social harmony, Sriramulu asserted that the persistent incidents of violence and law enforcement issues demand immediate attention. He also requested a meeting with the Union Home Minister to present detailed, district-specific insights and supportive documents from local stakeholders.