Following recent killings along communal lines, particularly in the coastal region, the Karnataka government has formed a Special Action Force to tackle communal incidents in three sensitive districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Shivamogga.
The Special Action Force will comprise 248 police personnel and three companies, with a company deployed in each of the three districts. It will play a role in gathering intelligence on probable communal and provocative incidents and hate speeches, and prevent them.
A government order issued on May 28, 2025 stated that the Special Action Force will be headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP). The force (248 members) has been carved out of the existing Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) which has 656 officers and personnel. The ANF’s strength will now be reduced to 376 for the next three years.
After the murder of Suhas Shetty, a rowdy sheeter and murder accused, near Bajpe in Mangaluru on May 1, Home Minister G. Parameshwara had announced that a special force would be formed to effectively tackle communal crimes, including hate speeches. He said that personnel from the ANF, which is being tapered down because of the absence of Maoist activity in the State, and other police personnel, would be part of it.
Peace meeting with community leaders
Reacting to the order, Dr. 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.
This story was originally published in thehindu.com. Read the full story here.