Karnataka forms Special Action Force to tackle communal incidents and hate speech

Karnataka government forms Special Action Force to tackle communal incidents in coastal districts, focusing on prevention and intelligence gathering.

In an effort to tackle communal incidents in coastal Karnataka effectively, the Karnataka government has issued an order forming a Special Action Force, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said in Bengaluru on Thursday (May 29, 2025). The force will have three companies, which will operate in Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga and Udupi districts.

Accorrding to the GO issued, as many as 248 personnel, including the senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), will be a part of this force. The 248 officers have been taken from the existing 656 officers and personnel of the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF).

The Special Action Force will play a primary role in gathering intelligence on probable communcal and provocative incidents and hate speeches and and prevent them.

Reacting to the order, Mr. Parameshwara said that to ensure peace and communal harmony, he has also directed the officers to hold peace meetings with community leaders.

“The order has been issued to immediately set up and enforce the Special Action Force. Necessary steps will be taken by the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) M.A. Saleem. The three districts are considered very sensitive. Anyone who incites communcal violence won’t be spared and dealt with strictly,” the Home Minister told reporters.

He said that the four people in the murder of Rahman have been arrested as part of quick action. The police are gathering information about the incident and taking preventive measures to bring restore normalcy to law and order.

“Dakshina Kannada district, where communal incidents are reported from, is a district with intelligent, good, and educated people. In terms of growth, too, there are a lot of opportunities there. We are committed to put an end to communal incidents there. People and representatives should all join hands to bring peace and harmony,” he added.