Protests Erupt in Mangaluru Following Suhas Shetty's Murder; Imposition of Section 144 Continues Until May 6th
Mangaluru Chaos: After Brutal Killing of Hindu Activist
It's all gone pear-shaped in Dakshina Kannada, AKA Mangaluru, after the savage slaying of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty. Unidentified goons ambushed the poor fella with lethal weapons in Kinnipadavu, Bajpe, under the watch of Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate on Thursday night.
In response, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has given the city a heads up—they're organizing a district-wide bandh on May 2, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, to express their outrage and seek justice for the deceased.
Prohibitory Orders Till May 6
Anupam Agrawal, our Mangaluru Police Commissioner, has taken swift action. He's imposed Section 144 CrPC (prohibitory orders) over the entire commissionerate, effective as of 6:00 AM on May 2. The orders are good until 6:00 AM on May 6.
Issued under Section 153 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, these orders allow authorities to take necessary precautions in threatening situations that risk disrupting public harmony.
Strict Curb on Activities
The Commissioner's mandate outlines a series of strict bans on various activities during this period. Here's what's off-limits:
- No public gatherings of more than five people in any public space.
- No chanting of slogans, singing of provocative songs, or making symbols that could instigate communal discord.
- No distribution, display, or broadcast of inflammatory content on social media, or any other platforms.
- Carrying weapons, like knives, sticks, sharp objects, or deadly firearms, is strictly prohibited.
- Use of explosives, firecrackers, or transporting hazardous materials is a no-go.
- Burning effigies, making derogatory statements, or spewing insultingremarks against individuals, groups, or government entities is banned.
Severe restrictions have been laid out on speeches, public performances, or anything that could stir up unrest. However, these orders don't apply to events sanctioned by the government or those with prior official permission.
Suhas' Final Journey and Protests
Suhas' final rites procession kicks off at 10:30 AM today, setting off from A.J. Hospital and heading towards Karinja. As more people flock to pay their respects, the crowd is expected to swell.
Meanwhile, Keshavamurthy, the VHP's Prant Samyojak, has confirmed protest demonstrations across multiple districts and taluk headquarters, including Mangaluru, Bantwal, Puttur, and Sullia.
District-Wide Security Clampdown
The suspense level is high following the bandh announcement and the heightened animosity. Security forces have been beefed up across the district to maintain order.
Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) units are stationed in sensitive and vulnerable areas. Law enforcement presence has increased, focusing on entry and exit points of key towns.
Despite the late-night gathering at A.J. Hospital, feelings of mourning and anger rolled strong, prompting increased vigilance from the authorities.
Police are urging citizens to preserve peace, steer clear of misleading rumors, and cooperate with the security personnel. The Commissioner has also threatened to take firm action against anyone breaking the prohibitory orders or stirring up violence.
- In light of the district-wide bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on May 2, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal has enforced Section 144 CrPC in the entire commissionerate, effective from 6:00 AM on May 2 until 6:00 AM on May 6.
- During this period, Agrawal has imposed strict bans on various activities, including public gatherings of more than five people, distribution of inflammatory content, carrying weapons, and burning effigies or making derogatory statements.
- Agrawal warned that anyone breaking these prohibitory orders or inciting violence would face firm action.
- As the General-News of the brutal killing of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty has sparked political and crime-and-justice discussions, Agrawal's enforcement actions reflect a focus on maintaining peace and order in Mangaluru.
