Latest news with #ShivarajPatil
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
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.
Hans India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Veerashaiva Lingayats protest caste census, demand its withdrawal
Raichur: A massive protest march, drawing thousands from the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, wound its way from Harshita Garden to the Deputy Commission-er's office in Raichur on Monday, causing temporary traffic disruptions. The demonstrators, united in their opposition to the state's caste census report, submitted a memorandum to district authorities, demanding its immediate withdrawal and a new, transparent census to reflect accurate demographic data. Community leaders, including the city's BJP MLA Dr. Shivaraj Patil, con-demned the report as a deliberate attempt to fracture the Veerashaiva-Lingayat unity, warning of a revolution if the government persists with its implementa-tion. Congress MLC Basanagouda Badarli echoed the sentiment, emphasising society's primacy over individual categorisations and hinting at resignations if the issue remains unresolved, noting prior communications with the govern-ment. The rally, held at Harshita Garden under the guidance of community leaders and representatives, spotlighted grievances over the census's alleged unscien-tific and unconstitutional methodology. Leaders criticised the report for drasti-cally underrepresenting the community's population, branding it a divisive tactic that threatens social cohesion and misguides policy-making. This demonstration underscores rising tensions over the caste census, with the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community vowing to escalate their campaign unless the state reconsiders its stance. The protest's scale and intensity signal a broader call for fairness and accuracy in demographic assessments, resonating across Raichur and beyond.
