Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 20: "Compared to other cities of Karnataka state, criminal activities in Mangaluru have reduced considerably. People of this region love peace and they will never support communal forces. However, certain media and social media sites give a communal colour to specific incidents and make false propaganda," said T R Suresh, city police commissioner.

He was speaking at the 'Interactive discussion' programme organized by Beary's chamber of commerce and industry (BCCI) at a private hotel in the city on Friday, January 19.

"Dakshina Kannada district has contibuted immensely to the field of industry. The contribution of the Beary community is also significant. This district is famous for facilities in banking, tourism and health sectors. More than two lac students from other districts and states are studying here. People from far off places come here for medical treatment. The local hospitals are providing excellent service. Nearly half of Kerala state is dependent on Mangaluru," he said.

"In the midst of all this, some odd incidents are also happening in the district. Police are being portrayed in negative light even though the department is working in a professional manner. We have put break to the criminal activities also. However, only criminal cases are being glorified in Mangaluru. We have to think as to why false propaganda of this nature is being sent.

"99% of Dakshina Kannadigas love peace. Only one percent are trying to disturb the peace in the society. It is an irony that even though the people of this region are not bothered about the fights between the rowdies, the local media is trying to pollute their minds.

"The response of the public to the recent murders of Deepak Rao and Basheer are the examples that people of this district do not want any communal conflicts. Only a handful of people are trying to demolish the social fabric of this region. We will take stringent action against the people who are sending provocative messages on social sites," he added.

Commenting on the drugs issue in the city, the commissioner said, "We are taking action to put a break to the drugs network in the city. Not only criminals but students are also becoming addicted to drugs. Earlier there was only Central Crime Branch (CCB) to control this menace. Now we not only have a separate station but also separate teams in three sub-divisions. We have arrested many people and investigation is on. Making Mangaluru drug free is the aim of the police department. Co-operation of the public is required to make this mission a success. We have registering goonda and security cases in order to curb the activities of rowdies."

Yenepoya abdullah Kunhi, chancellor, Yenopoya university said, "Mangaluru is ranked 48th in terms of standard of living in the world as per an international survey. Mangaluru is the only city in the whole of India to be ranked in the top 50 cities. This city has got 12th place in terms of health sector in the world. The recent unpleasant happenings in the city are a black dot to the excellent record of Mangaluru. The life of people in this city is in doldrums. Business and industry are hit badly. All have to strive to put an end to this."

"Criminals are not scared to go to the police stations. They are walking into the police stations as if they are going to the house of their relatives. Because of this, there is a doubt in the minds of the public whether there is a relation between police and criminals. Let there be distance between criminals and police," said Mohammed Kunhi, director, Shanthi Prakashana.

Responding to the query of Mohammed Kunhi, T R Suresh, police commissioner said, "Police personnel have to mingle with the criminals in order to gather information about the underworld. This is inevitable. However, this should be within the rules and regulations of the police department. If we find that the relation is beyond the guidelines, then we will take strict action on such police personnel."