Mangaluru: The murder of Suhas Shetty, a Hindutva activist and rowdy sheeter, in Mangaluru has led to heightened tensions in the city, prompting police action against individuals spreading communal hatred on social media.
Suhas Shetty was murdered by an unidentified group late on Thursday evening in Bajpe, a locality in Mangaluru. His murder has led to protests, violence, and online incitement of communal discord.
The police action is aimed at curbing the spread of inflammatory content on digital platforms. A total of 12 cases have been registered against individuals for posting hate-filled messages, threats, casteist remarks, and glorification of violence. Some of these posts were shared live during the funeral of Shetty, further fueling the already volatile situation.
Who was Suhas Shetty?
Suhas Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter, was also associated with Hindutva activism in the region. A rowdy sheeter is a term used to describe someone with a history of involvement in criminal activities, often related to gang violence. Shetty's name had been linked to the 2022 murder of Mohammed Fazil in Surathkal, a case that had already stoked tensions in the region. His murder appears to be the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Mangaluru, with growing concerns about the escalation of communal violence.
Shetty's murder has sparked strong reactions, with local protests and calls for justice. Members of the Hindu right-wing groups, including the Bajrang Dal, staged protests, calling for strict actions against the perpetrators and raising concerns over "love jihad," a term used by some to describe alleged forced conversions through interfaith marriages.
Communal tensions and Police actions
In response to the violence and communal rhetoric, Mangaluru city police have acted swiftly. Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal confirmed that multiple criminal cases, including those related to stone-pelting and assaults, were registered in connection with Friday's bandh. Police also emphasized that strong legal measures would be taken against anyone inciting violence, whether online or offline.
Political dimensions of the murder
The murder of Shetty has also caught the attention of Karnataka's political leaders. In a bid to ensure a fair investigation, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brijesh Chowta wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) take over the investigation. He expressed concerns that the murder might be linked to radical elements in the region and emphasized that the incident was part of a growing trend of lawlessness.
State ministers, including Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara and Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, visited Mangaluru to meet with police officials. The visit came after the assassination and was aimed at ensuring peace in the region.
Prohibitory orders and surveillance
To maintain law and order, the Mangaluru police imposed prohibitory orders across the city from May 1 to May 6. Surveillance has been intensified both on the ground and on digital platforms to monitor and prevent the spread of provocative content. The police have warned citizens against sharing unverified or inflammatory posts, stressing the importance of maintaining peace in the region.
Mangaluru's volatile climate
Mangaluru, located in coastal Karnataka, has a history of communal tensions. The killing of Shetty adds to the growing list of incidents in the region that have sparked protests and political rivalries. The city has witnessed a series of violent events involving both Hindu and Muslim activists, and the aftermath of Shetty's murder appears to follow a similar pattern of escalating communal disharmony.
The police investigation into Shetty's murder is still ongoing, and authorities are exploring various angles, including potential political rivalries and past grievances.