PUCL questions ‘inaction’ against hate speech and communalism

PUCL questions police inaction in addressing communal tensions in Dakshina Kannada, leading to communal violence and protests.

Members of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) have questioned “the inaction of police as well as district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao” in addressing communal tensions, hatred and hate speeches in Dakshina Kannada, which has led to communal violence in the district. They said that the latest among them was that of Abdul Rehman on Tuesday.

Citing a letter dated May 12, 2025, that the organisation had submitted to DCP Law and Order (Mangaluru), PUCL said, “There has been a deafening silence on the part of the Mangalore Police with regards to the action they have taken against the hate speeches we shared with them or any other suo motu action that they have taken. They claim to have taken action and filed FIRs. But how many? Against whom? What action has been taken against the individuals creating this environment of hate-filled lawlessness?”

Adding that such “silence and police inaction” had emboldened individuals to take yet another life, the statement urged the Mangaluru Commissioner of Police and Mr. Rao to provide an answer.

Meanwhile, people gathered in large numbers at the mortuary of the private hospital in Deralakatte, where the body of Abdul Rehman was kept.

After the completion of the autopsy and necessary formalities, the body was handed over to Rehman’s family members, who took the body in an ambulance to a masjid in Madani Nagar in Kutthar for a holy bath and then to the burial ground in Koltamajalu, where last rites were performed around noon.

With messages circulating on social media asking traders to voluntarily down their shutters on Wednesday, many shops and business establishments in Ullal, Surathkal and a few other areas were closed. A large number of people gathered at B.C. Road as the body was being taken in an ambulance to Kolthamajalu.

A private bus bound for Pakshigere was stoned near Suraj International Hotel in Surathkal around 2 p.m. A commercial building in B.C. Road was also stoned. Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners Association Aziz Parthipady said that though city buses were operational, the ridership was far less compared to normal days.