The Karnataka government has formed an anti-communal force with immediate effect after two Murders in Mangaluru, officials said on Thursday. The task force will be led by an officer of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank and will be deployed across three districts: Mangaluru, Udupi, and Shivamogga. 

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Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that four people have been arrested in connection with the murder and further action will follow based on information gathered from them.

"Four people have been arrested after the murder, and based on their statements we have got some serious information, using which further investigation and action will follow," Parameshwara said.

Stating that the government has taken the incident in Dakshina Kannada district very seriously, he said, "we will take merciless action irrespective of whoever it is, because if such things keep happening every time, we cannot sit quietly with our eyes shut. We will make the law stricter without any mercy."

Speaking to reporters after meeting Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Home Minister stated that regions such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, and other areas witnessing communal activities will be designated as "sensitive." He added that strict and uncompromising action will be taken against anyone involved in such activities.

Stating that the atmosphere got spoiled there, he further said, "If one side carries out murder, the other retaliates, such things repeat. If there is such a feeling of hate, how can the society survive, can anyone lead life? The government will not sit quietly as a mute spectator, we will stop it."

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reviewed the law and order situation in Mangaluru following the murder of a Muslim youth and said that efforts were underway to restore communal harmony in the region. Tensions have escalated in the coastal district after the youth was killed on May 27 in Bantwal.

In response, prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area until May 30. The Chief Minister also visited the residence of Congress MLC B K Hariprasad, where he held discussions on the prevailing situation in Dakshina Kannada district.

“We had a general discussion on the prevailing situation in Mangaluru. There should be communal harmony in that region. There should not be any hatred among Hindus and Muslims. We have to bring harmony there, for which we had a discussion,” Siddaramaiah told reporters after visiting Hariprasad's house.

Regarding the revengeful killings in Dakshina Kannada, Siddaramaiah said, “We will take action as per law against anyone involved in it irrespective of how influential that person is. No one is above the law. Law alone is above all.”

Mangaluru Murder Case 

Earlier this week, two men were brutally attacked with a sword in Kambodi Kalpane, located in Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada district, Mangaluru. According to the police, one of the victims succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while the other remains in critical condition.

The deceased has been identified as Imteyaaz, who served as the Secretary of a local mosque in Mangaluru. His friend, Rahman, is currently undergoing treatment for serious injuries. In a separate incident on May 4, Suhas Shetty, an accused in a murder case, was killed by contract killers reportedly hired by the family of one of his victims. According to officials, at least five assailants attacked him with machetes and swords in broad daylight on a busy road.

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Suhas Shetty was reportedly linked to several local right-wing groups and had multiple police cases registered against him. Two men were later arrested in connection with his murder; they confessed to being paid by the family of Mohammed Fazil, who was killed in 2022, to carry out the attack on Shetty.