Only handful of criminals fomenting communal violence in Coast, says DGP

Mangaluru, Jul 14: Rupak Kumar Dutta, the director general and inspector general of police (DG&IGP) of Karnataka on Friday opined that only a handful of criminals were responsible for the communal tensions in the coastal region.

The top cop, who addressed media persons after reviewing the security measures undertaken by the Mangaluru city Commissionerate Dakshina Kannada district police in the wake of recent untoward incidents in the region, said that the Police will act with an iron hand against perpetrators of violence in the region. As part of this, the Mangaluru City and Dakshina Kannada Police will review five-year-old cases of communal violence.

Mr Dutta said: “If any criminal has not been not arrested it would be done soon. Some criminals, who are time and again responsible for communal violence, will be dealt with heavily. They will be deported, booked as rowdy sheeter or booked under K-COCA Act,” he asserted.

On RSS worker Sharath Madivala's murder incident, Dutta said the police are interrogating several suspects and investigation is going on in the right direction.

"We don't want arrest innocent people. It took nearly five months to investigate Karthik murder occurred in Konaje last October and actual culprits were arrested. It was alleged that Karthik murder was by banned Islamic organization, but investigation showed it was committed by his own family member. Similarly, police are doing a thorough probe into Sharath's murder. Give us some time," he said adding that people should have faith in police.

When asked was there intelligence failure during Sharath's funeral procession that led to stone-pelting when it reached BC Road, Dutta answered that some vehicle which loaded with stone had sneaked in during procession between Kuntikana to Bantwal. Police were not aware about it. "However, we have gathered all video footages about the stone pelting and right persons will be booked."

He also pointed out that duty of police officer is to discharge his duty diligently. "Heads will roll if any officer is found not doing his/her duty," he warned.

Stressing that people in Dakshina Kannada are peace lovers, Dutta pointed out that it is only a handful that are fomenting communal violence in region. "During my visit to DK, I have met several religious and other organisations. They have expressed need for peace and said they want to live in brotherhood with all community people."