Former Karnataka minister B. Shriramulu has escalated concerns over the state’s law enforcement by writing directly to Amit Shah, calling for an NIA investigation into the Bagalkot violence that unfolded on Shivaji Jayanti. The letter paints a grim picture of repeated communal flare-ups, biased policing, and a rising tide of targeted aggression against Hindu activists.
Accusing authorities of failing to curb predictable conflicts in flashpoint areas, Shriramulu detailed how Hindu organization members face physical assaults followed by retaliatory legal action. ‘Victims are turned into accused through cross-cases, breeding fear and resentment,’ he stated, invoking Article 355 to press for central oversight on prevention, probe monitoring, and prosecution tracking.
The Bagalkot clash began with stones hurled at the procession, leading to swift police intervention, arrests, and an extended prohibitory order till February 28. Additional security deployments and notices were issued, yet Shriramulu criticized the lack of proactive intelligence and standardized event safeguards.
He linked this to a series of troubling events: Mandya’s September 2024 riots, Suhas Shetty’s killing in Mangaluru, and a brutal attack in Koppal. These underscore systemic issues in districts prone to unrest, where intel gaps allow tensions to boil over.
Proposing immediate action, Shriramulu recommended a joint review with state officials to assess riot-prone zones and prosecution efficacy. A comprehensive SOP should mandate written assurances from organizers, joint peace committees, preventive security mapping, and timed reviews—ensuring accountability and averting tragedies.