Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Jun 21: "Police have set up barricades at strategic places in the taluk and close vigil is kept on the situation. If anyone is found to be in possession of arms including lethal ones during police inspection, they will be booked under the provisions of Goonda Act," warned inspector general of police (IGP), western range, Harishekaran.

Speaking to media persons at the town police station here on Wednesday June 21, the IGP revealed that he himself has taken over the entire responsibility of arranging security and investigation in the area in view of various unwarramted incidents taking place in the taluk sine about a month. He also said that he will be camping here to keep control over the situation.

Harishekaran noted that in the recent past, there have been certain developments which have posed challenges to police personnel, adding that he will never allow such things to continue.

"Organizations functioning in the names of castes and religions should pave way for peace to settle down in the region. Leaders of organizations will have the liberty of directly meeting me and holding discussions if they have any doubts or suspicions," he clarified. He hastened to warn people against attacking others on the basis of doubts or suspicions.

The IGP added that widespread vigil by police personnel has been arranged in places like Kalladka, Mani, BC Road, Kaikamba, Farangipet, and the town in order to bring the situation completely under control. He noted that protecting property of the people and peace in the society is the responsibility of the police, and sought cooperation of the general public to enable police to discharge their duties. He also requested people not to view any incident or happening with communal angle.

"Additional police forces have been summoned from neighbouring districts like Udupi and
Chikkamagaluru districts. Ten contingents of district armed forces and additional Karnataka State Reserve Police units have been deployed on security duty. I have the experience of having functioned in Anti Naxal Force," he said, duly reiterating the plea to the people not to lend an ear to rumours.

He pleaded with the people not to give credence to rumours and unsubstantiated hearsay. "Police personnel have camped here since about a month. They too have families to care for. It is proving to be impossible to respond to the sufferings of common people visiting police stations with their woes. Therefore, I request everyone to extend helping hand in maintaining peace as well as law and order situation," he stated.