Mangaluru, Apr 9: The BJP will appeal against the Karnataka government's decision to withdraw 142 cases relating to serious crimes across the state, the party's MLA from Mangaluru North Bharath Shetty said Tuesday.

Addressing reporters at the BJP election committee office here, Shetty alleged that the hidden agenda behind the decision was nothing but appeasement of minority communities for electoral gains.

"In the cases proposed to be withdrawn, majority of the accused are from minority communities. A few cases in which Hindus were accused have been included in the list to create an impression that the move was impartial, Shetty alleged.

The government was sending a wrong message to the people by suggesting withdrawal of cases like those related to communal disturbances at Ulaibettu in 2014.

If the accused in such cases are allowed to go scot-free, the communal situation in Dakshina Kannada district would only worn, he said.

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Puducherry (PTI): Puducherry experienced heavy rains on Saturday morning prompting the union territory administration to send SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant as cyclonic storm Fengal is expected to make landfall near here later in the day.

District Collector A Kulothungan told PTI that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that people remained safe.

"We have evacuated people from low lying areas and shelter homes are ready to accommodate them. Arrangements were also made to supply food packets," he said adding that National Disaster Relief Force from Arakonam has arrived to engage in relief and rehabilitation works.

According to the official, cyclone Fengal was expected to cross the coast in the evening. Control rooms have been opened in the collectorate and also in the line departments.

Toll free numbers 112, 1077 and also WhatsApp number 94889 81070 have been put in place to help people facing crisis to contact for help.

Cyclone Fengal is likely to cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram coasts close to Puducherry, official sources said. The government has advised people to stay indoors.

The entire stretch of beach road and also several tourist spots were closed to ensure that there was no movement of the people near the sea shore.

Schools and colleges remained closed today.