Mangaluru on Edge: Tensions Rise After Hindu Activist's Murder Sparks Bandh

Tensions Escalate in Mangaluru Following Activist's Death

The coastal city of Mangaluru is experiencing heightened tensions following a bandh initiated by Hindu groups in response to the murder of Suhas Shetty, a 42-year-old former Bajrang Dal member.

Due to the escalating situation, local authorities have enforced prohibitory measures in this sensitive area.

R. Hitendra, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), informed the media that Shetty's family has communicated plans for his final rites in Bantwal, with security measures being implemented accordingly.

Law enforcement is actively pursuing leads and gathering information about the suspects, with arrests anticipated soon.

Hitendra urged the community to uphold peace and order, acknowledging the region's historical context while assuring that strict actions will be taken against those responsible.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has organized a bandh until 6 PM to protest Shetty's killing.

VHP members are also seeking police approval for a procession to transport Shetty's body from Karinja near Bantwal to his home in Pulimajalu.

The bandh has resulted in widespread closures of shops and businesses throughout Mangaluru, and private bus services have ceased operations due to earlier incidents of stone-pelting, although RTC buses continue to function.

B.Y. Vijayendra, the BJP state President and MLA, is visiting Mangaluru to pay his respects, with his office alleging that Shetty was brutally murdered.

Karnataka's Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who oversees the Mangaluru district, is set to meet with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to address the troubling events.

Minister Rao's office stated that he will discuss police actions and the necessity of maintaining law and order in light of recent murders in the area.

In response to the situation, R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition, criticized the Congress government, claiming that Karnataka has become unsafe for Hindus, drawing parallels to violence in Kashmir and West Bengal.

He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of being indifferent to the plight of Hindus while prioritizing peace with Pakistan, asserting that Shetty's murder highlights the deteriorating law and order under the current administration.

Sharan Pumpwell, a senior VHP figure, alleged that Shetty was ambushed and killed by members of a banned Muslim group while he was in his vehicle.

He described the incident as a premeditated act involving the banned Islamic organization PFI, condemning the violence and calling for immediate arrests of the perpetrators.

Pumpwell urged the public to fully observe the bandh in protest against the murder of the Hindu activist.