Suhas Shetty murder: Karnataka to form anti-communal task force to quell unrest in coastal belt

MANGALURU: In response to a spate of recent communal disturbances in coastal Karnataka, home minister G Parameshwara Saturday announced the formation of a dedicated Anti-Communal Task Force for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The unit, he said, will function exclusively in these two districts to check communal tensions and maintain public order.
After a law and order review meeting at the Mangaluru City police commissioner's office, Parameshwara said the specialised force would be modelled on the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), with which it would also share resources and training.

"Those involved in inciting or supporting communal violence will be dealt with firmly. The force will be headed by a senior officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP). Its structure, personnel strength, and operational framework will be finalised soon. As of now, there is no need for such a force in other districts. If the situation demands, we will consider it later," he said.
The move follows rising communal tensions in the coastal belt, often marked by incidents of hate speech, moral policing, and targeted violence. The proposed task force will coordinate closely with local police to ensure swift preventive action and crackdown on hate-mongering.
As Naxal-related incidents have sharply declined in Karnataka, Parameshwara said the state is now looking at downsizing the ANF and redirecting its experienced personnel to the new unit. "Most of the Naxals surrendered in Karnataka, and the activity almost came to a standstill. However, ANF will not be entirely disbanded. The trained personnel and other officers will be absorbed into the new anti-communal task force," he said.
When asked about the earlier Anti-Communal Wing, which handled cases of moral policing, the minister said it was not a standalone force. "It was merely a wing operated by the existing police personnel and not a dedicated task force," he said.
“The govt has decided to act against those behind communal riots with the new force. Evil forces will not be allowed to disrupt peace. Those who engage in communal violence, regardless of their community or religion, will face strict action. For the well-being of the state and the nation, such incidents should never recur. We will take all possible steps within the legal framework. Our goal is to ensure that peace in the coastal region,” said G Parameshwara, home minister.