Bhatkal: Uttara Kannada District In-Charge Minister Mankal Vaidya’s recent statement suggesting that cattle thieves should be publicly shot if theft incidents continue has sparked widespread debate across Karnataka. The minister made this controversial remark on Monday.

Earlier, following reports of the theft and alleged slaughter of a pregnant cow in Honnavar, rumors circulated that the stolen cow’s meat was served at a wedding function in Bhatkal. After the incident came to light, the BJP and Hindutva organizations strongly objected and criticized the Congress government over the rising cases of cattle theft in Uttara Kannada.

In response, Minister Mankal Vaidya directed the district police to take strict action against cattle thieves, leading to the arrest of several meat traders in Honnavar and Bhatkal. However, the prime suspects managed to escape. During the operation, police shot a detained suspect in the leg, triggering public outrage. The Congress government and district police faced severe criticism over the police firing, and just as the controversy was escalating, Mankal Vaidya’s fresh statement further fueled tensions across the state.

Minister’s Controversial Words
Speaking to reporters in Karwar on Monday, Bhatkal MLA and Karnataka Minister for Fisheries and Inland Water Transport, Mankal Vaidya, said:

"Cow theft has been happening for several years. I have told the SP (Superintendent of Police) that this must stop and should not happen at any cost."

He further stated that he had instructed police to take merciless action against those involved, regardless of their identity. He then added:

"Arrests have been made (in some cases) – if such incidents continue – it may be wrong for me to say this, but I will ensure that they (the accused) are shot on the road or at the circle."

This statement has been widely condemned as highly irresponsible for a minister in charge of law and order. Many believe that Mankal Vaidya was referring to the well-known Shamsuddin Circle in Bhatkal when he mentioned "the circle."

Fury Among Secular Groups
The minister’s remarks have ignited anger among secular groups. Critics on social media argue that Mankal Vaidya’s statement is a blatant violation of the Constitution and the rule of law, suggesting that he is attempting to strengthen his ties with the Sangh Parivar.

Speculation is also circulating on social media that the Congress government is planning a cabinet reshuffle, putting Mankal Vaidya’s position at risk. Many believe that he is paving the way for a potential switch to the BJP in anticipation of his possible removal from the ministry.

SDPI’s Strong Reaction
The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has strongly condemned Mankal Vaidya’s statement and demanded his immediate dismissal from the cabinet. SDPI, which had supported the Congress in the assembly elections, has now labeled the minister’s remarks as "hooliganism."

SDPI’s Karnataka General Secretary, Afsar Kodlipet, released a video statement saying:

"In the affidavit submitted during the elections, Mankal Vaidya was accused of encroaching on forest land, and notices were issued against him. If the rule of publicly shooting criminals applies, should Mankal Vaidya also have been shot for the land-grabbing allegations against him? If he had been shot, how would he have become an MLA and minister today?"

Calling his statement an embarrassment for Karnataka’s 6.5 crore people, Afsar Kodlipet urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi to take immediate action against the minister for his "fascist mindset."

Protest in Bhatkal
In response to Mankal Vaidya’s controversial statement, SDPI staged a protest outside the Assistant Commissioner’s office in Bhatkal on Wednesday.

Addressing the protest, SDPI’s Uttara Kannada District President, Mohammad Taufiq Beary, questioned:

"Many times, innocent people are wrongfully arrested and later acquitted by the courts. Should such individuals also be publicly shot? Was Mankal Vaidya elected as an MLA to order public shootings? Is this the role of a district in-charge minister?"

He further stated:

"The police often try to suppress our protests, but when Mankal Vaidya sat in the SP’s office and made such an inflammatory statement in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner, the administration failed to stop him. Who is responsible for upholding the Constitution? Who is in charge of maintaining law and order?"

During the protest, SDPI members raised slogans against Mankal Vaidya and the Congress government, demanding the minister’s immediate dismissal through a petition submitted to the Chief Minister via the Governor’s office.