Police to create workforce to check mafia gangs

Mangaluru: The city police has promised to create a special work force to take strong action against mafia gangs and drug traffickers in the wake of the murder of BJP activist and businessman Keshava Shetty on January 5 in an attack carried out by suspected mafia groups.

Talking to a large number of protestors who squatted on the road near Soorinje fort near here yesterday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishnuvardhan said a special workforce would be formed within the Police Commissionerate to prevent mafia activities and drug trafficking.

The workforce would start its operations from Suratkal, he said.

Addressing the protestors, Satyajit Suratkal, leader of Hindu organisations, said drugs were being widely sold at various places like Chokkabettu, Katipalla, Soorinje and Krishnapura in the outskirts of the city.

The youth were being lured into the trap of drug peddlers and ruining their future, he said, adding stern action was required to check the menace.

BJP Dakshina Kannada district vice president, Umanath Kotian demanded that the culprits behind Shetty’s murder be immediately arrested.