Hindu activist Suhas Shetty's murder triggers tension in Mangaluru; Section 144 imposed, bandh in force
Mangaluru: Grief and fear gripped the coastal city of Mangaluru on Friday as thousands gathered to bid farewell to Hindu activist Suhas Shetty, who was brutally murdered late Thursday night in Kinnipadavu, Bajpe. The 34-year-old was attacked with lethal weapons by unidentified assailants, sparking widespread outrage across Dakshina Kannada district.
Suhas, known among locals for his community work and association with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), was described by neighbours as 'quiet but fiercely committed to his beliefs.' His father, Ravi Shetty, stood silently outside A.J. Hospital, his face etched with shock. 'He left home in the evening and never returned,' he whispered.
District-Wide Bandh and Section 144 in Effect
In response to the killing, the VHP called for a bandh across Dakshina Kannada from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on May 2. Meanwhile, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal enforced Section 144 CrPC, banning public gatherings and provocative acts until May 6.
'These measures are necessary to prevent any outbreak of violence,' said Agrawal, citing the tense communal undertones surrounding the case. The order also restricts the carrying of weapons, public processions without permission, and inflammatory content on social media.
Heavy Security Across Sensitive Zones
Police presence has been intensified throughout the district. Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) units are patrolling sensitive areas, while check-posts have been set up at major entry and exit points. 'We are monitoring everything closely, from WhatsApp forwards to public gatherings,' said a senior officer posted in Bantwal.
A City on Edge
Suhas's funeral procession, which began from A.J. Hospital at 10:30 AM, saw thousands line the route in Karinja, many holding saffron flags and chanting slogans. While the mood was one of mourning, there was also palpable anger.
VHP regional coordinator Keshavamurthy stated, 'We want justice, not just arrests. We want assurance this won't happen again.'
Appeals for Calm
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka called Suhas Shetty's murder 'a heartbreaking failure of law and order' and held the Congress government responsible. 'A young life has been lost. People are scared. The government must wake up,' he said, urging authorities to ensure justice and maintain peace across Mangaluru.
Authorities are urging residents to stay calm and refrain from spreading unverified information. 'This is a moment of grief, not vengeance,' said Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan. 'We request cooperation to maintain peace.'
As the city observes a bandh, shops are shuttered, streets are nearly deserted, and tension simmers just beneath the surface, yet amidst it all, Mangaluru waits, hoping justice will follow grief.
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