Mangaluru: Muslim leaders of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress strongly rebuked Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara over the rising tide of violence targeting Muslims in the coastal belt and the alleged inaction and bias of the police department—despite the Congress party being in power in the state.
Dr. Parameshwara had arrived in Mangaluru on Saturday to review the law and order situation following a spate of violent incidents, including targeted attacks and murders in Dakshina Kannada. The unrest has also spread to neighbouring coastal districts, prompting serious concern from community and political leaders.
The meeting took place at the Circuit House in the presence of District In-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, where Congress leaders and workers gathered to raise their collective concerns.
Prominent leaders—including K.K. Shahul Hameed, former Mangaluru Mayor K. Ashraf, and Suhail Kandak—accused the police of acting under the influence of right-wing elements. They pointed to the recent mob lynching of Ashraf from Kerala in Kuthupady, where they alleged that the police failed to act decisively against the perpetrators.
Leaders expressed alarm over the increase in attacks on innocent Muslims, especially after the murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty, which triggered a wave of attempted murders. Among the victims was Naushad from Kannur, who remains in critical condition in a private hospital ICU. They demanded the government cover Naushad's medical expenses and bring the culprits to justice.
The leaders also demanded the arrest of right-wing leader Sharan Pumpwell, who had called for a bandh in Dakshina Kannada, saying the bandh had incited communal tension and economic losses. They insisted that financial damages be recovered from him.
This time, in a united move, the Muslim Congress leaders had agreed not to meet visiting ministers individually as in previous occasions. Instead, they decided to meet them collectively to voice their grievances in a stronger and coordinated manner. “We expressed our pain, anger, and the injustice happening in the district. We demanded action against biased police officers aligned with right-wing forces and asked for their transfer or suspension,” said one of the leaders present at the meeting.
According to party sources, the Home Minister listened patiently and assured that their concerns would be addressed. He promised relief and appropriate action in response to the incidents and grievances raised.
However, the leaders warned that if there is no meaningful response or visible action in the coming days, the Muslim leadership within the party would consult each other and announce their next course of action.
Also present were KPCC General Secretaries G.A. Bawa and Inayat Ali Mulki, former Zilla Panchayat Vice President M.S. Mohammed, District Wakf Advisory Committee President Abdul Nasir Luckystar, former corporator Rauf Bajal, and others.
The meeting highlighted the growing unrest among the Congress’s minority leadership in coastal Karnataka and increased pressure on the state government to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in the law enforcement system.
According to party sources, Home Minister Parameshwara patiently heard the concerns raised and assured the leaders that appropriate and timely action would be taken.
The meeting underscored growing discontent among Congress’s minority leadership in coastal Karnataka and added pressure on the state government to deliver accountability and restore public confidence in law enforcement.