Mangaluru: Hindu activist Suhas Shetty was brutally killed in Mangaluru's Bajpe on Thursday, May 1. The city has been placed under strict prohibitory orders from May 2 to May 6 after shutdown calls by Hindu organisations across Dakshina Kannada on May 2, following the murder.
The directive, issued by City Police Commissioner and Additional District Magistrate Anupam Agrawal, is to maintain law and order in the area under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Bajrang Dal Activist Killed in Bajpe Attack
Shetty, said to be affiliated with the Bajrang Dal, was fatally attacked by unidentified assailants in Bajpe on Thursday. The murder has triggered widespread outrage and raised concerns over communal harmony in the region. A video of the horrific crime also surfaced on social media.
According to reports, senior police officials, including ADGP (Law and Order) R Hitendra, have also arrived in Mangaluru to take stock of the situation and oversee the investigation and security measures.
The incident has led to a surge in security deployment across sensitive areas of the city. Several Hindu organisations condemned the murder, urging the public to observe a voluntary bandh in protest. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sharan Pumpwell said in a statement, “We urge all Hindus to voluntarily shut down their establishments, transport services, and businesses to express solidarity.”
Mangaluru On High Alert
The prohibitory measures, which reportedly came into effect from 6:00 AM on Thursday, include a ban on public gatherings, rallies, slogan shouting, and activities that could incite violence. Circulation of provocative content such as posters, images, and social media posts that could disrupt peace or hurt public sentiment, has also been restricted. Loudspeakers, musical events, and public speeches likely to inflame tensions have been prohibited.
However, the order makes exceptions for official government events, pre-approved religious ceremonies, marriage functions, and funeral processions.
The Mangaluru City Police have instructed their personnel to be on high alert, intensifying surveillance and patrolling in sensitive areas.
