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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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
