Govt, Oppn Trade Barbs Over Externment Move

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Congress in Karnataka are locked in a political tussle over the proposed externment of some prominent right-wing leaders.

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU: While home minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday refuted allegations of communal bias by the opposition, state BJP chief BY Vijayendra accused the government of "turning the police into a political weapon".

Dakshina Kannada police on Monday claimed the move to extern 36 people from the district, including prominent local leaders from right-wing organisations and political parties, as a precautionary measure to curb communal unrest and repeated criminal activity.

"The individuals shortlisted have a record of repeated communal offences, and the proposal for externment has been forwarded to the deputy commissioner for further legal process," a senior police officer said on Tuesday, adding that the orders, if approved, would bar these individuals from entering the district for a period ranging from six months to a year.

Those facing deportation include Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, president of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike in Beltangady, Sangh Parivar member Bharat Kumdelu, BJP leader Arun Kumar Puthila and leaders from the Muslim community as well. Authorities have cited their repeated involvement in activities that threaten public peace and law and order.