Karnataka's Raichur sees 18 daytime killings since January, public fear mounts despite police crackdown
Image used for representative purpose only
RAICHUR
: Since January 2025, Raichur has witnessed an alarming rise in daytime killings, with 18 homicides recorded.
District data shows six murders in Raichur taluk, four in Manvi, three each in Devadurga and Lingasugur, and one each in Sindhanur and Maski.
Most of these occurred within the Sadar Bazar, West, Rural, and Women's Police Station jurisdictions.
Despite increased police presence, the situation remains out of control, creating public concern.
Several particularly violent incidents have taken place. A beggar was killed near the Yapaladinni police station on 12 February. On 3 March, a person was stabbed 23 times in Bangikunta's Sadar Bazar area. A dowry-related murder occurred on 23 March under the Women's Police jurisdiction. Other killings were reported on 29 April in the West police limits, 4 May in Siyatalab due to rivalry, and 18 May near
Zaheer Khan Circle
.
On 15 May, protestors in Lingasugur Town demanded the suspension of CPI Pundalik Patatar for not arresting those responsible for Shantala's dowry-related death. Dr
Shivaraj Patil
, the city MLA, said that police negligence and authoritarian behaviour in some cases led to the deaths of innocent people.
He held an overnight protest on 1 April in front of the West Police Station, accusing CPI Nagaraj Meka and PSI Manjunath of responsibility for the custodial death of an innocent man.
Following this, Ballari Zone IGP Lokesh Kumar suspended both officers and ordered a CID probe.
Dr Shivaraj Patil claims that reckless behaviour by certain police officers is fuelling criminal activity, as offenders feel emboldened by the apparent lack of law enforcement action.
Ramesh Veerapur, district president of SFI, said the illegal trade of Alprazolam, marijuana, and other dangerous substances—posing serious health risks and potentially leading to deaths—has contributed to a rise in crime.
He said that although the excise department is seizing large quantities of illicit liquor, they are failing to address the root causes. 'Even though they are aware of who is distributing drugs in different blocks, it appears that control is lacking,' he claimed.
There are also allegations that the police are delaying complaint registration due to interference by elected representatives in certain cases.
Acknowledging the recent surge in murders for various reasons,
SP M Puttamadaiah
assured that all cases are under investigation. He said a meeting will be held soon to discuss crime prevention strategies and that firm instructions will be issued to officers at all levels.
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