Home Minister G. Parameshwara is set to unveil a new 248-member Special Action Force (SAF) in Mangaluru on Friday, June 13, aimed at addressing rising communal tensions in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts. This dedicated unit will be headquartered in Mangaluru and will consist of 78 personnel each from the three districts.
The formation of the SAF comes in response to a series of violent incidents, including the mob lynching of rag picker Ashraf on April 27, the murder of former Bajrang Dal activist Suhas Shetty on May 1, and the killing of sand transporter Abdul Rahiman on May 27. In light of these events, the SAF has been established by reallocating personnel from the Anti-Naxal Force, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing safety and security in the affected regions.
Operational oversight for the SAF will be provided by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP)-level officer, with the initial leadership entrusted to Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy. According to a state government order dated June 11, the SAF will operate in close coordination with Inspector-General of Police for the Western Range, Amith Singh, ensuring a streamlined approach to law enforcement in these volatile areas.
Beyond the DIGP, the SAF headquarters will comprise 15 officers including a Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and an Assistant Commandant. Additionally, the structure consists of a Police Inspector, a Police Sub-Inspector, three Head Constables, and six police constables. Each of the three 78-member units in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga will be led by a Police Inspector, as specified in the government order.
This proactive measure to form the SAF indicates a robust approach to addressing communal strife, prioritizing community safety through improved policing strategies. With a focus on specialized training and coordination among local law enforcement, the initiative seeks to prevent future violence and cultivate a sense of security in these districts.
The establishment of the SAF represents not only a reaction to recent events but also a strategic effort to bolster law enforcement capabilities in an area that has faced multiple challenges. As residents of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga look towards enhanced safety measures, the government’s commitment is clear: to ensure peace and stability in communities that have experienced distressing incidents in recent months.
As the SAF gears up for its official launch, attention will be focused on its effectiveness in restoring order and trust within the communities it serves. The government’s actions signal a crucial turning point in addressing communal relations and fostering a safer environment for all citizens.
Mangaluru remains at the heart of these developments, reflecting the broader implications for regional security in Karnataka. As the situation evolves, the SAF’s performance will be critical in shaping the future of communal harmony in this diverse state.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/home-minister-launches-saf-on-june-13/article69688555.ece
Category : Mangaluru
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Publish Date: 2025-06-12 23:54:00
