Shivamogga: Dakshina Kannada district incharge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has blamed the BJP and Sangh Parivar for disturbing the communal harmony in Dakshina Kannada district, following the brutal murder of a youth in Bantwal, near Mangalore. Addressing media persons on Wednesday, the minister expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the region.
The victim has been identified as Abdul Rahman, who was killed in a barbaric manner. Another person was reportedly injured in the incident. Gundu Rao said preliminary investigations suggest the murder was due to enmity and revenge, and that the police have already obtained initial leads and will soon arrest the accused.
"This horrific killing has sent a wrong message to society," Gundu Rao remarked. "Even after the body is found, BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders politicize it for their gain. They are solely responsible for the worsening conditions in Dakshina Kannada," he added.
He compared the case to the earlier Suhas Shetty case, stating that all culprits were arrested in that instance and will be arrested in this case too. "Murder should not be seen through the lens of religion or caste. Suhas Shetty himself was a rowdy-sheeter with multiple cases against him. We do not discriminate," he said.
Criticizing BJP’s stance toward Muslims, the minister said, “Statements from BJP leaders show they lack logic, justice, humanity, and compassion. Their minds are filled only with poison and hatred.”
Gundu Rao warned that such communal incidents could damage the region's prospects for tourism and investment. "Who will come to do business or invest in a place plagued with such tension?" he questioned.
Reacting to the Sharan Pumpwell bandh call, Gundu Rao said, "Those who provoke such unrest take cover under Hindutva. They think Hindutva gives them the license to kill. Sand mafia and rowdies also misuse the name of Hindutva to justify illegal acts."
He also informed that preparations are underway to set up a Special Task Force in Dakshina Kannada to address the growing communal tension. “The Home Minister has already discussed this. We also need to create an anti-communal force,” he added.