Karnataka forms Special Action Force to tackle communal incidents, hate speech in DK, Udupi and Shivamogga

Karnataka forms Special Action Force to tackle communal incidents, hate speech in DK, Udupi and Shivamogga

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 29, 2025: The Karnataka government has issued an order forming a special action force to tackle communal incidents. This force will have three companies, which will be established in Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga and Udupi districts.

A copy of the order issued on May 28 was seen by DH. As per the order, 248 officers, including the senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), will be a part of this force. The 248 have been separated from the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) with an issued strength of 656 officers and personnel.

The special action force will play a primary role in gathering intelligence on probable communal and provocative incidents and hate speeches, and preempt and prevent them.

Reacting to the order, Home Minister G 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) MA Saleem. The three districts are considered very sensitive. Anyone who incites communcal violence won’t be spared,” Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday.

“It [Dakishan Kannada] is a district with intelligent, good, and educated people. In terms of growth, too, there are a lot of opportunities there. We are of the belief that we will put an end to communal incidents there,” he added.