Shivamogga: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has accused the BJP and Sangh Parivar of deliberately inciting communal unrest in the coastal district. This comes in the wake of the brutal murder of Abdul Rahman, a youth from Bantwal near Mangaluru. Another individual was reportedly injured in the incident.
Speaking to the Indian Express on Wednesday, Gundu Rao expressed deep concern over the deteriorating communal situation in the region. He stated that preliminary investigations point to enmity and revenge as motives behind the killing. “The police have obtained initial clues and will arrest the culprits soon,” he assured.
The minister condemned the political exploitation of the tragedy. “Even before the facts are established, BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders jump in to politicize such incidents. They are solely responsible for poisoning the atmosphere in Dakshina Kannada,” he said.
Gundu Rao drew parallels with the earlier Suhas Shetty case, stressing that arrests were made promptly then and would be made in the present case too. He noted that murder must not be communalized, saying, “Suhas Shetty was a known rowdy-sheeter with several criminal cases. We do not view cases through the lens of religion or caste.”
He came down heavily on the anti-Muslim rhetoric of BJP leaders. “Their statements lack logic, justice, humanity, or compassion. Their minds are filled with hatred and venom,” he remarked.
The minister warned that continued communal unrest could deter tourism and investment in the region. “Who would want to invest in a place engulfed in hatred and tension?” he questioned.
Commenting on the bandh called by Sharan Pumpwell, Gundu Rao said those inciting unrest often misuse Hindutva to justify violence. “Rowdies and the sand mafia operate under the cover of Hindutva. They falsely believe that Hindutva gives them the license to kill,” he alleged.
Gundu Rao also revealed that steps are being taken to establish a Special Task Force in Dakshina Kannada to counter rising communal tensions. “The Home Minister has discussed this, and we are also considering forming an anti-communal force,” he concluded.
