Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Jun 21: Superintendent of police (SP) of Chikkamagaluru district K Annamalai along with his team of police personnel is assisting the Dakshina Kannada police in providing security in Bantwal taluk which has witnessed a series of violent incidents of late, including a murder on Wednesday June 21.

Annamalai, a police officer popular among the masses for his strict and upright manner of dealing with anti-social elements, has been given the charge of looking after the security in Bantwal area following the murder of SDPI Ammunje zonal president Ashraf Kalayi on Wednesday morning.

Speaking to daijiworld, Annamalai said that he along with nearly 100 police personnel are ensuring tight security in Bantwal especially in sensitive areas.

Earlier, there was speculation that Annamalai may be transferred to Dakshina Kannada as SP, but Annamalai himself brushed aside the reports as mere rumour. On Wednesday evening, SP of Dakshina Kannada Bhushan Gulabrao Borase was transferred and Mandya SP Sudheer Kumar Reddy appointed in his place.

Kalladka in Bantwal witnessed clashes late last month after a youth was stabbed by three persons. This month clashes erupted in Kalladka once again, despite prohibitory orders being clamped, after two persons including an HJV leader were stabbed.

On Wednesday morning, assailants murdered SDPI Ammunje zonal president Ashraf in broad daylight, after which stone pelting was reported in several places. Tension prevailed in the taluk after the murder. Police dispersed angry crowds gathered in many places. Shops in Farangipete, B C Road, Kaikamba, Kalladka, Addoor, Melkar, BC Road town pulled down their shutters due to the prevailing situation.

Sec 144 that has already been imposed in four taluks of the district, excluding Mangaluru, will continue till June 27.