Mangaluru: Anti-Communal Wing strengthened

Team Udayavani, Feb 24, 2024, 10:29 AM IST

Representative image (Source: iStock)

Mangaluru: The Anti-Communal Wing (ACW) introduced in the state, has been revamped and reinforced to deter incidents like moral policing, which involves questioning, obstructing, and assaulting young individuals from different communities when they are together.

Established nine months ago under the guidance of Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwar, the ACW was previously overseen by an officer of ACP rank. Now, the ACPs of the three sub-divisions of the Commissionerate will also supervise it.

Additionally, a dedicated squad comprising four police personnel, including a PSI, will be deployed. Initially led by an Inspector with six policemen, the ACW’s strength has now been bolstered.

Furthermore, separate police teams from the ACW will maintain special surveillance at various locations, including parks and beaches within the Commissionerate’s jurisdiction.

Rowdysheet against 147 individuals:

In 2023,  seven incidents of moral policing were reported within the Mangaluru Commissionerate’s jurisdiction, resulting in the arrest of 25 suspects. In 2022, 15 individuals were apprehended for involvement in moral policing incidents. The police arrested 31 youths in incidents that occurred in 2021.

According to police sources, over the past decade, 147 individuals have had rowdy sheets opened against them in connection with moral policing and communal disharmony-related incidents.

New names emerging:

As per police officials, those implicated in moral policing incidents are not typically seasoned criminals. Instead, new names are emerging in each case. While only a few of the suspects are affiliated with specific organizations, others have been influenced by certain groups.

Constant vigilance:

“The Anti-Communal Wing has been reinforced and provided with additional personnel. This unit will maintain constant vigilance over all suspects involved in prior incidents within the city. It will also oversee and monitor social media activity,” said Anupam Agrawal, Commissioner of Police, Mangaluru.

Translated from a Kannada article by Santhosh Bollettu