Clean and Green on Wheels: Mangaluru’s Push for Electric Public Transport

Bengaluru, June 12: Karnataka cabinet on Thursday "unanimously" decided to conduct a new Socio-Educational survey, popularly known as caste census, in the state.

"....we have taken a decision in the cabinet. It was a unanimous decision in the cabinet that a new survey is to be conducted," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters after a special cabinet meeting.

He said, "The government will consult the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission....we are going to give 90 days time to survey a fresh and to give the report." The decision comes after the Congress top brass on Tuesday directed the state government to hold caste re-enumeration in Karnataka to address the concerns of some communities, who complained of being left out of the survey that was conducted 10 years ago.

The decision came at a time when the cabinet was already considering the Socio-Educational Survey report that was submitted to the government, based on the survey that was conducted in 2015.

Mangaluru, June 12: In a major move to counter growing communal unrest in Karnataka’s coastal and Malnad regions, the state government has constituted a dedicated Communal Violence Control Force comprising 248 personnel. 

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has been appointed as the head of this newly formed unit.

The special task force will operate across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts—areas that have recently witnessed a troubling rise in communal tensions and retaliatory killings. Notable incidents in Dakshina Kannada include the murders of Ashraf, rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty, and Abdul Rahman, which have raised serious concerns about law and order.

According to the order issued by Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG-IGP) Dr. M.A. Saleem, the force includes three experienced inspectors from the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), and will report to Western Range IGP Amit Singh.

Officials say this is just the first phase. The Home Department intends to strengthen the force further by adding more personnel in due course. Members of the unit will receive training at the Police Training Centre in Karkala, Udupi district, and will be equipped with exclusive uniforms, vehicles, and special powers to respond swiftly to communal flare-ups.

With this initiative, the state aims to reinforce public safety, restore communal harmony, and ensure rapid response during times of tension.

Mangaluru, June 13: Amid growing concerns over simmering communal tensions in Karnataka’s coastal heartland, the state government has rolled out a bold new initiative — the Special Action Force (SAF) — an elite, rapid-response unit aimed at restoring peace and reinforcing public trust.

Launched by Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara on Friday, the SAF is not just another addition to the police force — it is being positioned as a shield against divisive forces that threaten the fragile harmony of regions like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga.

“This is not just a force—it’s a promise. A promise that Karnataka will not surrender its peace to hatred,” said Dr. Parameshwara, addressing officials, media, and community leaders during the inauguration.

What is SAF?

The SAF is the first-of-its-kind in India — a specially trained, multi-tiered force consisting of 258 personnel, deployed strategically across the three coastal districts. Each district will have its own dedicated company comprising 78 officers. From DIGP, SP, DySP, Assistant Commandants to inspectors, sub-inspectors, and constables, the unit is built for precision, discipline, and immediate action.

Modeled partly after the Anti-Naxal Force, the SAF will function autonomously and tactically — intervening during communal flare-ups, acting on intelligence alerts, and de-escalating tensions before violence erupts.

Why Now?

Dr. Parameshwara didn’t mince words: “When I visited Mangaluru last, I sensed the growing undercurrents of hate. The situation was managed temporarily, but it was clear that a long-term structure was needed. Some elements choose violence over dialogue. To them, SAF is our response.”

He lamented that despite repeated appeals for peace, vested interests continued to disrupt harmony. “This isn’t just about law enforcement. It’s about protecting Karnataka’s soul,” he emphasized.

The home minister also pointed to the police department’s strong performance, including a 99% murder case resolution rate, and recent efforts to strengthen cybercrime capabilities through dedicated training centers for constables.

Voices of Support

Backing the move, District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao called the SAF a “timely and necessary intervention.”

“Communalism is the only blemish on Dakshina Kannada’s rich legacy. But this initiative will be welcomed by 95% of the people. The rest must decide whether they want peace — or consequences,” he said, announcing a peace meeting in the coming fortnight under the leadership of Dr. Parameshwara.

More Than Security — A Step Towards Dignity

The day also marked the inauguration of newly constructed police quarters in Mangaluru and Beltangady, a significant morale booster for police families.

Built at a combined cost of ₹21 crore, the facilities include 64 flats in Mangaluru (covering 58,500 sq ft) and 24 in Beltangady (10,544 sq ft), each featuring 2BHK layouts with modern amenities like modular kitchens, ensuring dignified living standards for frontline officers.

The launch event was attended by top-ranking officials and dignitaries including: DG & IGP M A Saleem, IGP Western Range Amith Singh, Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, SP Dr. Arun Kumar, MLCs Ivan D’Souza and Manjunath Bhandary, and Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan, among others.