Mangaluru: Commissioner, SP warn of stringent action against communal forces

Mangaluru, Dec 11: The police department will keep an eye on those spreading false rumours and provoking innocent citizens. Strict action will be taken against those who instigated innocents into committing crimes. People should become aware of such elements and inform the police of persons indulging in this, said Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police S D Sharanappa.

Speaking to media persons he said that those who took the law in their hands would be registered as rowdy-sheeters and booked under Goonda Act. No person has the opportunity to take the law in their own hands. People should refrain from doing so, he said.

He said that the department has been instructed to take stringent action against miscreants in the clashes that had occurring over the past week.

Shortage of police personnel

With manifestation of acute shortage of police personnel in Dakshina Kannada, the department has requested for 323 additional personnel to be deputed in the district. There are only 527 personnel for the population of 10 lakh citizens in the district, which is extremely fewer for regions where there is increase in crime level, he said, adding that the police staff were putting all their efforts in tackling crime in the district.

Mr Sharanappa said that a total of 67 CCTV cameras had been set up in 18 centres and five police stations. Ujire and surrounding areas being a sensitive region, it is being debated to set up a CCTV camera in Ujire police station as well, he informed.

With only 36 police personnel working at Belthangady police station, the count of cases has gone up to 460, including 99 cases of unnatural deaths. In this regard, efforts are being made to upgrade Dharmasthala police station with the possible deployment of additional 10 police personnel. An additional 80 personnel will be called for special arrangements when required, he briefed.

Intelligence Input

Meanwhile Mangaluru City Police Commissioner R Hithendra said that certain groups were trying to disturb the peace in the city by attacking persons and instigating communal hatred. The police are prepared to tackle such incidents firmly and book those involved in such acts, he said.

œThere were intelligence inputs about certain groups trying to attack people from a certain community and create a sense of hatred among the community members towards the government,  he said adding that the police are well-prepared to deal with such attacks with an iron hand.

He said that orders have been issued asking each police station to hold peace committee meetings in their areas and resolve the issues. He said the police were checking vehicles at various points in the city, as stolen vehicles were being used by those involved in the incidents reported after last Friday's group clashes, he said.