Mangaluru: Muslim leaders from the Dakshina Kannada District Congress have strongly criticized Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara for the growing violence against Muslims in the coastal region and the alleged police bias under the Congress-led government.
Dr. Parameshwara visited Mangaluru on Saturday to assess the law-and-order situation following a spate of violent incidents, including targeted killings and communal clashes that have also spilled into neighboring districts. The review meeting took place at the Circuit House, in the presence of District In-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
At the gathering, senior Congress leaders such as K.K. Shahul Hameed, former mayor K. Ashraf, and Suhail Kandak accused the police department of acting under the influence of right-wing groups. They highlighted the recent mob lynching of a Kerala youth, Ashraf, in Kuthupady, alleging the police failed to take prompt action.
The leaders expressed grave concern over the rise in attacks on innocent Muslims following the murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty. Among the victims is Naushad from Kannur, who is battling for his life in a private hospital’s ICU. The Congress delegation urged the state to cover Naushad’s medical expenses and demanded immediate action against the assailants.
They also sought the arrest of right-wing leader Sharan Pumpwell, who allegedly incited communal tension by calling for a bandh in Dakshina Kannada, resulting in economic losses. The leaders demanded compensation be recovered from him for the damage caused.
In a show of unity, Muslim Congress leaders chose not to meet the Home Minister individually as done in the past. Instead, they presented a joint memorandum demanding the transfer or suspension of police officials allegedly aligned with right-wing forces. “We conveyed our collective anguish and demanded urgent corrective measures,” one of the leaders said.
Party insiders reported that Dr. Parameshwara listened attentively and assured that the issues raised would be addressed with seriousness. He promised relief measures and strong action in response to the grievances.
However, the leaders warned that if their concerns are not resolved with visible action soon, they would meet again to decide on their next steps, hinting at possible political escalation.
Notable figures present at the meeting included KPCC General Secretaries G.A. Bawa and Inayat Ali Mulki, ex-Zilla Panchayat VP M.S. Mohammed, Wakf Advisory Committee President Abdul Nasir Luckystar, and former corporator Rauf Bajal.
The meeting has brought to the forefront the growing frustration among the Congress’s minority leadership in coastal Karnataka, raising pressure on the state government to uphold justice and rebuild faith in the police machinery.
