25 days on, still no Anti-Communal Task Force: Peace-loving citizens of DK ask why
Mangaluru, May 28: Even after 25 days since the Karnataka government announced the formation of an ‘Anti-Communal Task Force’ to tackle rising communal crimes in Dakshina Kannada district, no visible progress has been made in implementing the decision. The delay has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly in the wake of recent communal tensions and violence.
The announcement was made by State Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara during his visit to Mangaluru on May 3, following the murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty. While addressing a press conference, the minister had reiterated a promise first made in June 2023 to set up an anti-communal wing. However, even after nearly two years, the wing remains only on paper.
In his May 3 statement, Dr. Parameshwara clarified that the proposed Anti-Communal Task Force would function similarly to the Anti-Naxal Force and would be led by officers of the IGP rank. He also mentioned that unlike the earlier anti-communal wing, which was confined to the Mangaluru Commissionerate, the new task force would cover the entire Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
While the announcement was welcomed by peace-loving citizens and civil society members hoping for a check on communal violence, the idea faced political resistance. Some leaders, including BJP MLAs and MPs from the district, openly opposed the formation of such a force. These same leaders had actively held press conferences demanding justice for Suhas Shetty and portrayed him as a local hero.
A few days ago, a program titled ‘Bajpe Chalo – Janagraha’ was organised by a group demanding that the Suhas Shetty murder case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The event was reportedly held without police permission and witnessed provocative speeches. Yet, the police allegedly did not intervene to stop it.
Merely two days after the rally, Abdul Rahman, the general secretary of the Kolathamajalu Juma Masjid, was hacked to death. His companion Qalandar Shafi alias Imtiaz, who was travelling with him in a pickup truck, sustained serious injuries in the attack and is currently under treatment at a hospital.
The timing of Abdul Rahman’s murder, soon after the Bajpe rally, has led to outrage among residents and activists, who accuse the authorities of inaction. While a case has been registered against the organisers and speakers of the Bajpe Janagraha program, locals allege that this is just a formality and that no firm action has been taken to prevent such incidents or arrest those behind hate speeches.
Critics have now questioned whether the proposed Anti-Communal Task Force will remain just another unfulfilled promise. Many believe that timely implementation of such a force could have possibly averted the latest communal murder and helped restore confidence among minority communities in the region.
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
