During a public address in Karwar, Minister and Congress leader Mankala Vaidya stressed the urgent need for decisive action to tackle the ongoing cattle theft issue in Uttara Kannada, calling for stronger measures to combat the persistent problem.
Published Feb 04, 2025 | 3:52 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 04, 2025 | 3:52 PM
Karwar: Minister Mankala Vaidya calls for public execution of cattle thieves
Synopsis: In response to rising cattle thefts in Uttara Kannada, Minister Mankala Vaidya called for severe action, even suggesting public executions of thieves. A Congress leader, Vaidya’s statement is akin to stances taken by BJP leaders over the issue, raising concerns over calls for extrajudicial action.
In a controversial response to the ongoing issue of cattle thefts in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka’s Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, Mankala Vaidya, has called for severe action against perpetrators, suggesting that cattle thieves should be stopped and shot in public.
His remarks came during a public address in Karwar, where he emphasised the need for swift and decisive action to curb the rising incidents of cattle theft in the region.
“Cattle theft has been a persistent issue in Uttara Kannada for years, and it’s high time we take a stronger stance against it,” said Vaidya.
“It might sound wrong” but if need be, I have told the police to “shoot the accused in the middle of the circle,” the minister said.
“I have already directed the police to take strict action in these cases. Several suspects have been arrested, and we will not tolerate such crimes anymore,” he said.
Minister Vaidya also hit out at Kumta BJP MLA Dinakar Shetty, accusing him of supporting the cattle thefts. “Has Dinakar Shetty turned into ‘Dinakar Khan’? What will the Chief Minister and Home Minister do when they visit here? If they support such acts, will cases even be registered?” Vaidya questioned, referring to Shetty’s stance on the issue.
The minister assured the public that the state government is fully committed to supporting farmers and cattle rearers. “Unlike the previous government, which remained silent on this issue, we will not turn a blind eye,” he said.
Vaidya also criticised the BJP for what he described as “playing dirty politics” in the matter, suggesting that they were more focused on political gains than addressing the concerns of local farmers.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)
