The National Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken serious cognisance of a complaint filed by BJP MLA Dr Y. Bharat Shetty, alleging arbitrary and intimidating police action targeting Hindus in Dakshina Kannada district. The SHRC has directed the Director General of the Investigation Department to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and submit a report within two weeks.
The complaint stems from a recent string of murders in Dakshina Kannada that triggered heightened security measures. In the name of maintaining law and order, the police allegedly began midnight visits to the homes of RSS and Sangh Parivar leaders, questioning them without warrants or due legal process. These unannounced visits reportedly took place after 11 PM, raising widespread concern and anger within the local Hindu community.
Dr Bharat Shetty, the MLA from Mangaluru North, in his complaint to the SHRC, accused the police of targeting individuals with no criminal records or FIRs against them under the guise of preventive action. According to him, the police entered homes, took photographs, recorded GPS locations, and subjected Hindus to late-night interrogations — all without any formal documentation or judicial sanction.
Terming the move as a “violation of civil liberties”, Dr. Shetty argued that the police actions were not only high-handed but also amounted to psychological intimidation of law-abiding citizens engaged in social work and community service.
Responding to these allegations, the SHRC has ordered a detailed investigation that includes onsite verification, scrutiny of police records, and recording statements from all the affected individuals. The Commission has also emphasised the importance of protecting citizens’ fundamental rights while ensuring law and order.
The development has triggered a political and civil rights debate, with BJP leaders slamming the district police for what they call “selective harassment of Hindus.” Critics argue that rather than going after those with actual criminal links, the police are resorting to profiling individuals based on ideological affiliations.
While the Dakshina Kannada police have yet to issue a formal response to the NHRC probe, civil society groups have demanded greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations. The issue is expected to reverberate further in the coming days as the SHRC awaits the findings of its investigation team.
BJP accuses Congress government of targeting Hindus
BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra has launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing it of weaponising the police force to harass Hindus in the wake of the recent murder of Hindu Suhas Shetty in Dakshina Kannada district.
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner and senior police officers, Vijayendra alleged that police brutality in the region has escalated significantly and that pro-Hindu organisations are being unfairly targeted under the guise of law and order enforcement.
“After interacting with party workers in the district, we met with the deputy commissioner to express our grave concerns,” Vijayendra said. “Instead of going after those responsible for Suhas Shetty’s murder, the police have chosen to intimidate Hindus from organisations such as the VHP, Bajrang Dal and Hindu Jagran Vedike by visiting their homes late at night and subjecting them to unwarranted questioning.”
He alleged that the Congress government is using state machinery to suppress Hindu voices and warned that such actions will not be tolerated. “This is a clear misuse of power. Innocent Hindus who have dedicated their lives to public service and social welfare are being treated like criminals,” he added.
Vijayendra demanded that the government immediately halt the “harassment campaign” and focus instead on bringing the actual culprits behind Suhas Shetty’s murder to justice. He also hinted at statewide protests if the government failed to course-correct.
