Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, June 23: Police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy on Monday, June 23, warned against social media speculation surrounding recent incidents, stating that investigations into the Suhas Shetty and Ashraf murder cases are being carried out using scientific methods and verified evidence. He stressed that no one found guilty would be spared, regardless of their identity.
“There is widespread speculation on social media, with people suggesting who should be arrested or released. Some have claimed that two women and certain members of the public were involved in the Suhas Shetty and Ashraf cases,” the commissioner said.
Clarifying the investigative process, he stated, “Before the Suhas Shetty case was handed over to the NIA, our teams thoroughly examined every possible angle using CCTV footage and other scientific evidence. In both the Suhas Shetty and Ashraf cases, we have identified all 126 individuals who were present at the Kudupu spot and called them in for questioning.”
Responding to allegations on social media that a key accused has not been arrested, Reddy said, “Yes, the individual in question was present at the scene. However, there is no evidence to suggest that he provoked or assaulted Ashraf. No witness has come forward to support these claims, beyond what is being circulated on social media.”
He urged the public to provide credible information to aid the investigation. “Our offices and investigating officers will be available over the next two days. Anyone with legitimate evidence is welcome to come forward, and we will act accordingly,” he said.
Reddy reaffirmed the police department’s commitment to maintaining law and order. “We are responsible for the safety and well-being of every citizen. If an issue arises, we will act to ensure justice is served.”
He further warned that hate speech and hate-fuelled posts will not be tolerated. “No one has the liberty to spread hate speech or inflammatory content. Regardless of their status, anyone found engaging in such acts will face legal action. Freedom of speech does not grant the right to promote hate. The law will take its own course, and those found guilty will not be spared,” he cautioned.
Legal officers appointed to handle communal cases
In a significant move, the state government has appointed four legal officers to ensure effective representation of communal-related cases from Mangaluru city police commissionerate jurisdiction in the Karnataka High Court.
The appointed officers include state public prosecutor B A Belliappa, state public prosecutor-2 Vijayakumar Majage, additional advocate generals Pradeep C S and S Ismail Zabiulla, commissioner Reddy informed.