Alleged Targeting of Hindutva Groups in Karnataka.

Union Minister Alleges Police Harassment of Hindutva Groups In Dakshina Kannada, Seeks PCA and NHRC Intervention.

B Upendran | HENB | Bengaluru | June 4, 2025:: In a strongly worded letter, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, has alleged that police in Dakshina Kannada are targeting and harassing individuals associated with Hindutva organizations. Karandlaje has sought the intervention of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to stop the alleged harassment.

Pattern of Intimidation

According to Karandlaje, a “pattern of intimidation” began shortly after the recent change in police leadership in Mangaluru, and has been directed almost exclusively at members of the Hindu community. She claims that many of those being harassed have no criminal background or history of unlawful activity, raising concerns about the misuse of the police force as a tool of political vendetta.

Concerns About Communal Harmony

Karandlaje has expressed concerns that such actions, if allowed to continue unchecked, risk undermining the credibility of law enforcement and disturbing communal harmony in the region. She has requested an impartial inquiry into the conduct of the police officers involved and for those found guilty of violating constitutional norms and citizens’ rights to be held accountable.

BJP’s Response

Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has also spoken out against the alleged harassment, stating that the Congress cannot grow in the district by “threatening and harassing” Hindutva activists. Chowta claims that the State government is using police to oppress Hindutva activists and leaders in the district and that the BJP will fight against the “anti-Hindu policies” of the Congress government.

Police Conduct Questioned

Chowta has questioned the police’s actions, such as visiting the houses of Sangha Parivar activists during the night and taking their photographs. He has stated that such actions will not deter the activists and that the party will pursue legal action against harassment if necessary.

The controversy highlights the complex dynamics of politics and policing in Karnataka, with allegations of harassment and intimidation sparking concerns about communal harmony and the rule of law.

In numerous instances, Islamist groups have allegedly attacked Hindu groups, purportedly with the involvement or tacit support of the ruling Congress party and the police force, which is under the control of the political powers that be.
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__Agency Inputs.