Karnataka has been rocked by a wave of incidents of Islamist violence within a week between May 19 and 26, highlighting a disturbing pattern of extremist behaviour from certain Islamist groups. Based on a TV9 Kannada report, in Belagavi, a mob attacked a Hindu household, inciting fear and distress within the community. Meanwhile, in Channagiri, an Islamist mob attacked the police station, injuring officers and damaging property in response to an alleged custodial death.
According to the Daiji World report, in Udupi, a gang war on the national highway involving two Islamist gangs led to multiple arrests. These incidents, all involving individuals from a single community, have left Hindus and other residents scared for their safety, raising serious concerns about the state’s law and order.
Udupi: 6 Islamists arrested in national highway gang war Incident
The Udupi city police have apprehended suspects linked to the gang war involving the Islamists of the Garuda gang, which took place in the early hours of May 19 at Kunjibettu on the Udupi-Manipal National Highway. This raises the total number of arrests to six. The primary suspects, Ashik (26) from Kapu Kombagudde, Rakib (21) from Tonse Hooda, and San (26), were taken into custody on May 25. Senior officials say the police have stepped up their operations, resulting in these latest arrests.
Authorities reported that the altercation stemmed from a financial dispute. Based on the News 24 report, a cellphone video captured by a resident of a nearby apartment building showed two Maruti Swift cars involved in the confrontation. One of the cars slowed down and collided with the other, releasing black smoke. The men then exited their vehicles and entered into a fight. During the scuffle, one car struck a man holding a stick, causing him to fall to the ground, where he remained injured.
This Islamist gang war has threatened the Hindu community across Udupi, a place traditionally known for its spirituality. The recent brutality has raised serious concerns about safety among the residents, tarnishing Udupi’s reputation as a peaceful haven.
25 Islamists arrested in connection with a mob attack on Channagiri police station
Law enforcement authorities reported that at least 25 individuals were taken into custody in relation to a violent attack on the Channagiri police station. As per a report by OpIndia, the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in Channagiri town, Davangere district, where a mob vandalized the police station and damaged several vehicles, allegedly in response to a custodial death. During the attack, at least 11 police officers sustained injuries.
The investigation into the case was subsequently transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Police stated that the arrests were based on evidence from CCTV footage and video clips. The suspects were charged under sections 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 307 (Attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and were remanded to judicial custody.
A Udayavani report says that the incident began when Islamist Adil (30) was detained on May 24 for his alleged involvement in gambling activities in the district. According to police, his health condition deteriorated while in custody, leading to his death. Upon learning of Adil’s death, his relatives, along with a large group of people, went on a rampage, damaging police vehicles and hurling stones at the police station, alleging that he died in custody.
In response to the attack on the police station, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and the Channagiri police station inspector were suspended. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated on Sunday, “A Deputy SP and an inspector have been suspended, as there was no proper action on the part of the police and there was negligence. An inquiry has been ordered. We will take action based on what comes out of the inquiry.”
Parameshwara emphasized that the incident should not have occurred and that an inquiry had been ordered to determine the cause of Adil’s death, whether it was due to a heart attack or low blood pressure. The postmortem report was expected to provide further information. The BJP has alleged that the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government is backing the Islamist perpetrators involved in the attack on the police station.
Cricket erupts into violent clash in Belagavi, Islamists attacked Hindus
A friendly game of gully cricket in Belagavi turned violent, leading to a stone-pelting incident between two communities. Reports indicate that at least eight individuals were injured in the clash, and around 10 people have been arrested in connection with the violence. During the clash, Islamists threw stones into nearby Hindu houses.
Daiji World report states the skirmish began following a quarrel between two groups over a cricket-related issue on Alwana Galli Street, Shahapur, Belagavi. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in the exchange of stones between the Islamists and Hindu groups. Local authorities responded swiftly to the violence, with the Commissioner of Police visiting the scene and deploying additional police personnel to maintain order in the area.
Shahapur police reported that a quarrel, followed by stone pelting, broke out between two groups over a cricket issue on Alwana Galli Street. The Commissioner of Police immediately visited the area, ensured security, and deployed police personnel to the street. Shahapur police have registered the case, reviewed CCTV footage, and arrested ten Islamists who are currently being interrogated.
Surge in violent crimes: Karnataka records 430 murders and 198 rapes in first four months of 2024
According to the statistics reports from Prajavaani, in the first four months of this year, Karnataka has seen a disturbing rise in violent crimes, with approximately 430 murders and 198 rape cases reported, out of which Islamist extremists perpetrated the majority. This alarming increase in serious offences, including sexual violence against women and children, cybercrimes, and other forms of criminal activities, highlights a growing concern for public safety.
High-profile cases such as the murders of students Neha Hiremath and Anjali Ambiger, along with the tragic death of a young girl from Somawarpet taluk, underscore the severity of the situation, especially the severity of the crime against Hindus by the Islamist assailants. Hindu organizations continuously advocate for the safety of Hindus and work to raise awareness about tactics and manipulative strategies by certain Islamist groups against Hindus.
