Mangaluru, Jan 2, 2017 : Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar is in the eye of a storm after he made a controversial statement during a protest organised by the Hindu Hitharakshana Vedike on January 1, Sunday in front of the Konaje Police Station seeking justice in the case of murder of Karthik Raj, the son of former Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat chief Umesh Ganiga. The MP reportedly stated that "DK District would be set on fire" if the killers of Karthik were not arrested within ten days.
The MP also alleged that the legislators of the region would be held responsible for any criminal activity in the region. Stating that Hindus were victimised in Ullal he also alleged that the law and order scenario in Ullal was very bad. Launching a tirade against the cops, he said "the police have failed to arrest the killers of Karthik though they conduct raids and arrest innocents engaged in cock fighting." He also said a dharna will be held in front of the police station if the murderers were not arrested
Santosh Kumar Rai, President of Mangaluru taluk unit of BJP, Jayaram Shetty, former MLA, Chandrahas Ullal and others participated in the protest.
As expected, the MP’s comments drew sharp criticisms with the DYFI scheduled to stage a protest on January 2 (today) to condemn the MP’s statement and also to demand an apology from him.
MP’s clarification : MP Nalin Kumar Kateel who seems to have realised his folly, has tried to give an explanation after the video of his speech went viral on WhatsApp. "There has been a mistake in using a word during the speech," he said and added that he meant to say that people would set the district on fire if the killers are not arrested.