Times News NetworkMangaluru: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday condemned the state govt and police department for invoking the Goonda Act against Hindu activists and issuing an inquiry notice to senior RSS leader Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, alleging a politically motivated crackdown on Hindu organisations.Addressing a news conference in Mangaluru, VHP Pranta Sahakaryadarshi Sharan Pumpwell accused the administration of targeting Hindu workers to appease minorities. He announced a massive ‘BC Road Chalo’ protest on Sept 28 near Rakteshwari Temple in BC Road against the detention of Hindu activists under the Goonda Act and the notice served on Bhat.The controversy stems from the murder of Abdul Rahiman in Kuriyaal village on May 27, 2025, registered as Crime No. 54/2025 at Bantwal Rural police station. While the initial FIR named five accused, police later implicated several Hindu outfit workers and invoked the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA).According to VHP, Mysuru Special Court on Sept 15 ruled that the invocation of KCOCA was contrary to rules and granted bail to Bharath Kumdelu, Abhin, Thejaksha, Shivaprasad and Ranjith. However, the organisation alleged that the deputy commissioner subsequently issued detention orders under the Goonda Act, preventing their release.VHP also objected to a notice issued by Bantwal Rural police station to Bhat on Sept 22. Issued under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act and KCOCA, the notice directed him to appear for questioning on Sept 26 in connection with the case.
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Alleging misuse of state machinery, Pumpwell claimed Hindu workers and leaders were being systematically targeted after the KCOCA charges failed to stand in court. He described the notice to Bhat as part of a conspiracy and warned of a ‘Kacheri Chalo’ protest outside the deputy commissioner’s office if the organisation’s demands, including withdrawal of the Goonda Act proceedings, were not met.He further said VHP would intensify its agitation if any attempt was made to implicate or suppress Hindu leaders.Dakshina Kannada SP Dr Arun K said that in the Bantwal Rural Police Station Crime No. 54/2025 case, the recording of Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat’s statement is pending, and a witness notice has been issued to obtain it. After his statement is recorded, a charge sheet will be submitted to the Honorable Court, the SP said.
