Mangaluru: In view of increasing incidences of brutal attacks on citizens by vigilante groups, Mangalore Civic Group has presented a memorandum to the Mangaluru city police to take immediate measures to curb the menace of moral policing in Mangaluru.

A delegation met city police commissioner N Shashi Kumar and said moral policing has been troubling Mangaluru for many decades and it has increased during the last few months. They stated that in many cases the offenders are booked but let off later without being brought to justice.

“The crime of moral policing and religious vigilantism has disturbed peace and communal harmony in the city. It has brought shame to Mangaluru and adversely affected educational institutions, the tourism industry, and other businesses in and around Mangaluru,” they stated.

They suggested that police should sensitise bus conductors and drivers on the issue, collaborate with educational institutions, install warning posters in bus stops and parks and introduce a 24x7 helpline and women’s safety app.

“Police should impose spot fines, book criminal cases and follow up the cases to secure conviction of the culprits,” the civic group members said.

In reply, the commissioner said police have been acting promptly on receiving complaints about vigilante incidents and strict law enforcement is being done to control such crimes. He told the delegates that his message to the youth of the city is to act responsibly and not to fall prey to bad influences and indulge in vigilante activities.

The delegation comprising Prathapchandra Kedilaya, Suresh Nayak, Bhaskar Kiran and Oswald Pereira handed over the memorandum.