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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Veteran Tamil film producer Rajan dies after jumping into Adyar River
Chennai (PTI): Veteran Tamil film producer K Rajan died after jumping into the Adyar River in the city on Sunday, police said.
Police said it appears to be a case of suicide, though the reason for his extreme step was not immediately known.
The 85-year-old film personality asked his driver to stop the car while crossing the Adyar bridge and suddenly got out and jumped into the river, police sources said.
The driver immediately alerted Fire and Rescue Services personnel, who reached the spot, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem.
Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.
Rajan entered the Tamil film industry as a producer in the early 1980s. Apart from producing films, he also directed a few movies.
He also served as president of a film distributors’ association.
Top leaders of political parties, including the two Dravidian majors—the DMK and AIADMK—expressed shock and grief over his death and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Former Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin said Rajan had always boldly raised his voice for the welfare of small film producers and the overall development of the film industry.
“He had always urged that Tamil films be titled in Tamil,” Stalin said in a statement, adding that Rajan consistently fought for the rights of ordinary workers in the film industry.
AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said Rajan’s voice was important in securing recognition for small-budget films in the Tamil film industry.
Among others who condoled his death was PMK founder S Ramadoss. Leaders from various parties also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
“This is terrible news. Deeply shocked to hear about the demise of our beloved member of the film fraternity, producer K Rajan sir,” actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar said in a post on social media platform X.
“He was a very respectful person and someone who never hesitated to call a spade a spade. This is very upsetting. May his soul rest in peace,” she added.
