BSY initiates steps to quash cases against 2,000 saffronites involved in communal clashes

News Network

August 2, 2019

Bengaluru, Aug 2: Soon after assuming office as the chief minister of Karnataka for fourth time, B S Yediyurappa has initiated steps to withdraw cases against about 2,000 saffron activists in connection with the violent protests across Uttara Kannada district in December 2017.

In a note issued to the additional chief secretary, home department, S Selvakumar, secretary to the chief minister, stated he had been directed by Yediyurappa to take necessary action on a plea from Karwar MLA Roopali S Naik. Official sources said the cabinet is likely to withdraw the cases.

In her letter to Yediyurappa, Naik said more than 150 cases under the IPC and Information Technology (IT) Act were foisted on about 2,000 “Hindu” youths in connection with the violence that erupted after the body of Paresh Mesta was found near Shettikere Lake, Honnavara on December 8, 2017. The BJP had claimed Mesta — allegedly murdered — was a party worker.

Mesta’s death resulted in communal tension in Uttara Kannada district and the state government eventually handed over the case to the CBI.

The incident occurred a few months before assembly elections. In February 2018, then BJP national president Amit Shah met Mesta’s father in his house and assured him of all support. Chief minister Siddaramaiah was fiercely criticised by BJP leaders, who claimed Karnataka was not a safe place for Hindus under his leadership.

Reacting to Thursday’s move, Dinesh Gundurao, KPCC president, claimed the decision was based on BJP’s communal considerations.

“Look at the letter of the MLA. It says cases registered against Hindu youth be withdrawn,” Gundurao told reporters. “Let them withdraw cases registered against innocents no matter which religion they follow, but the letter shows that they want to withdraw cases against a particular community.”

Yediyurappa had on Tuesday cancelled celebrations of Tipu Jayanti as a state event. The order came after he received a letter from Virajpet MLA KG Bopaiah asking him to consider cancelling the celebrations as it had led to violence in the past, especially in Kodagu.

Comments

Welcome move by sanghi govt in karnataka. Now CM will pass a bill for not booking complaints against sanghi trouble makers on any issue and they will be free to do what they wish. Yediyurappa is follwoign Yogi footsteps and turning karnataka into goondaraj like UP. Yediyurappa is considerign himself as junior Don and Dictator. Karnataka will sink in darkness if this continues. It will be better to kick out this Govt before water crosses the danger level.

All are eligible for Bharat Ratna. Seems very soon Karnataka will become second UP. Shortly rss will start their second military training colleague. India going ahead of another Saragova Harsagonia blood shed.

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QR-code tips power Mangaluru's major drug bust: 25 arrested in 2 weeks

News Network

December 16,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 16: The Mangaluru City police have significantly escalated their campaign against drug trafficking, arresting 25 individuals and booking 12 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between November 30 and December 13. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of illicit substances, including 685.6 grams of MDMA and 1.5 kg of ganja.

The success of this recent drive has been significantly boosted by the city’s innovative, QR code-based anonymous reporting system.

"The anonymous reporting system has received an encouraging response. Several recent arrests were made based on inputs received through this system, helping police tighten the noose around drug peddlers," said the City Police Commissioner.

The latest arrests contribute to a robust year-to-date record, underscoring the police's relentless commitment to combating the drug menace.

Up to December 14 this year, the police have registered a total of 107 cases of drug peddling, leading to the arrest of 219 peddlers. Furthermore, they have booked 562 cases of drug consumption, resulting in the arrest of 671 individuals.

The scale of the seizure for the year reflects the magnitude of the problem being tackled: police have seized 320.6 kg of ganja worth ₹88.7 lakh and 1.4 kg of MDMA valued at ₹1.2 crore. Other significant seizures include hydro-weed ganja worth ₹94.7 lakh and cocaine worth ₹1.9 lakh, among others.

The Commissioner emphasized a policy of rigorous enforcement: "We ensure that peddlers are caught red-handed so that they cannot later dispute the case or claim innocence."

To counter the rising trend of substance abuse among youth, the Mangaluru City police have rolled out uniform guidelines for random drug testing across educational institutions.

As part of the drive, tests were conducted in approximately 100 institutions, screening an estimated 5,500 to 6,000 students in the first phase. 20 students tested positive for drug consumption during the initial screening.

Students who tested positive have been provided counselling and are scheduled for re-testing in the second quarter. The testing will also be expanded to students not covered in the first phase. In a move to ensure strict implementation, police personnel were deployed in mufti in some institutions. Reiterating a zero-tolerance stance, the Commissioner confirmed that random testing will continue, and colleges have also been instructed to conduct drug tests at the time of admission to deter substance abuse from an early stage.

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