Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirms special task force plan for Dakshina Kannada
Shivamogga: Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has said that the government is making necessary preparations to form a special task force in Dakshina Kannada to tackle rising communal tensions and maintain peace in the region.
Speaking to the media in Shivamogga on Tuesday, the Minister stated that the formation of a special task force had already been proposed earlier by the State Home Minister. “All arrangements are underway to set up this task force,” he said, adding that there is also a pressing need to establish an anti-communal force to combat divisive ideologies and ensure harmony in society.
“Communalism is breaking society apart. It is not possible to deploy police near every household, which is why there needs to be a strong legal and social pushback against communal forces,” Gundu Rao said. Referring to recent incidents in Dakshina Kannada, he noted that some individuals had delivered provocative speeches, and cases had already been filed against them. “Most of these hate speeches are being made by those associated with the Sangh Parivar,” he alleged.
He expressed concern over the impact such incidents are having on the region’s image. “Who will come to travel, invest, or do business in Dakshina Kannada if such events continue to happen?” he questioned, pointing out that the region risks long-term economic and social damage if communal activities are not curbed.
When asked about Bajrang Dal leader Sharan Pumpwell’s call for a bandh, Gundu Rao said those who instigate unrest will face consequences. “They hide under the cover of Hindutva and think violence is justified when someone is killed. They use Hindutva to carry out activities that are unacceptable. These elements also have links with sand smugglers and rowdy elements. This is the reality,” he remarked.
He reaffirmed that Section 144 prohibitory orders are already in force in parts of Dakshina Kannada and warned that the government will not hesitate to take stricter action in the coming days. “The government and police will act firmly. It is inevitable,” he said.
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India cricketer Rinku Singh receives underworld threat: Mumbai Crime Branch confirms
Mumbai: Indian cricketer and 2025 Asia Cup champion Rinku Singh has reportedly received a threat from the underworld, according to the Mumbai Crime Branch. The investigation has revealed that Dawood Ibrahim-led D-Company sent multiple ransom demands earlier this year.
Authorities confirmed that between February and April 2025, Rinku’s promotional team received three extortion messages demanding ₹5 crore. Acting on the leads, police arrested two suspects, Mohammed Dilshad and Mohammed Naveed, from the Caribbean. The duo was extradited and handed over to Indian authorities on August 1.
Investigators further discovered that the accused had also demanded ₹10 crore from Zeeshan Siddiqui, son of the late former MLA Baba Siddiqui. During interrogation, one of the arrested suspects reportedly admitted to contacting Rinku Singh’s team for ransom.
Rinku, who hails from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, rose to national prominence after his five consecutive sixes in an IPL 2023 match against Gujarat Titans. He made his India debut in 2024 and played a decisive role in the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan, hitting the winning runs that secured India’s ninth title.
The left-handed batter, currently representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has played 54 T20Is for India, amassing 550 runs at a strike rate of 161.77. In the IPL, he has appeared in 58 matches, scoring 1,099 runs, and was part of KKR’s 2024 title-winning squad.
Recently engaged to MP Priya Saroj, Rinku is expected to feature in India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia, which includes five T20 Internationals.
Police investigations into the underworld threat are ongoing.
