Sunil Haleangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 10: Satyajit Suratkal, leader of Hindu organizations, said that he and others like him had so far been under the impression that the Suratkal MLA was supporting illegal cattle trafficking alone. "We have now realized that he has been extending wholehearted supported to ganja mafia too," he said.

"Every time a crime happens in Suratkal, the MLA comes up with one or the other clarification. From one angle, we construe that the MLA is directly responsible for the increase in crimes in this area. If he continues to behave this way, we may be compelled to organize a strong protest in front of his residence," he warned.

He was addressing a public meeting organized by the citizens of Suratkal and Soorinje, to condemn the statement of the MLA that the recent murder of Keshava Shetty had occurred because of gang war, and to protest against the increased presence of ganja racket in the area. The meeting was held at Suratkal junction.

Speaking later, former minister, Krishna J Palemar, reminded the people that when he was the MLA here, not a single major crime had occurred in the area. "Now, crimes have become the order of the day," he observed. He blamed failure of Congress government in gaining control over law and order situation for the bane. Palemar also charged the police for their negligent attitude towards reigning in crime and criminals.

Kasturi Panja, addressing the protesters, said that the situation in Suratkal and surrounding areas is so grave that people are afraid even to move about freely. "The MLA, who is expected to brood over measures to improve the situation, has been found to be issuing irresponsible statements. We do not need such legislators. We should make arrangements to send him back home at the earliest," she said.

Bhuvanabhirama Udupa, Sathish Muchoor, Eshwar Kateel, Vachan Mukka, Balakrishna Munchoor, and many others were present.