Speaker U.T. Khader demands high-level probe against former Police Commissioner, SP in DK
Mangaluru: Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader has urged the state government to initiate a high-level investigation against former Police Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Dakshina Kannada district, citing their alleged inaction during recent disturbing communal incidents in the region.
Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House in Mangaluru on Thursday, Khader emphasised that while all IPS officers hold the same qualifications, the manner in which they enforce the law varies. “Officials deployed to Dakshina Kannada should have taken stronger action against hate speech, communal provocations, and inflammatory posts on social media,” he said. “Unfortunately, past officials failed in this regard, and hence a detailed probe is necessary,” he said.
Khader revealed that prior to departing for Hajj, he had clearly instructed the then Commissioner and SP to act decisively against those promoting hatred online and through speeches. However, both officers reportedly expressed helplessness, citing legal limitations. “I told them – do your job as police officers, not as lawyers or judges,” Khader added. “The new officers have taken tougher measures, and according to reports, nearly 60% of hate content on social media has now been curbed,” he said.
He stressed that no one has the right to incite violence or commit murder, and such acts must be universally condemned. “All officers must uphold the law uniformly. The government should establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide such enforcement,” he urged.
Khader described recent incidents in Mangaluru as unfortunate and damaging to the district’s communal harmony. “Our aim should be to foster peace. Differences in opinion are acceptable but must be resolved through dialogue. It is not just the responsibility of elected representatives but also of every citizen and civil society organization to protect harmony,” he said. “Religious teachings should never become weapons to harm minds or bodies—they should instead offer healing and peace, “ he added.
Referring to the murder of Suhas Shetty, Khader noted that there had been early warnings of retaliatory attacks. “Despite this, hate speech was rampant and the authorities remained silent,” he said.
He also urged that those supporting such violent acts, be it lawyers, courts, or politicians, must refrain from doing so. “Only then can we preserve peace in the district,” Khader remarked.
When asked about demands to transfer the Suhas Shetty murder case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Khader stated, “Let the victim’s family submit a request to the government. Based on that, the matter can be considered for discussion,” he said.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
