Dakshina Kannada DC invokes Goonda Act against six murder accused - The HinduPublished - September 19, 2026 08:08 pm IST - MANGALURUH.V. Darshan | Photo Credit: File PhotoDakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan invoked provisions of the Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (Goonda Act) against six murder accused, a day before they were granted bail by a Special Court for Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act cases in Mysuru.One Abdul Rehman was attacked by a group of 15 persons while he and his friend Khaladar Shafi were unloading sand from a pick-up vehicle in front of the house of Erakodi Rajeev in Kuriyala village of Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada on May 27, 2025. Rehman succumbed to injuries in a private hospital in Mangaluru.A total of 22 persons, including right-wing activists Bharath Kumdelu, Abhin Rai, Thejaksha, Shivaprasad Thumbe, Pradeepa, Shahith alias Sahith, Sachin alias Sachu Rottigudde, and Ranjith, were arrested in connection with the murder. The Bantwal Rural police filed a charge sheet on August 28, 2025, before the Additional Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class, Bantwal, court, accusing them of offences under Sections 103(1), 109(1), 118(1), 118(2), 61(2)(a), 238(a), and 249(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 25(1)(a) of the Arms Act, 1959.With many of the arrested persons being involved in other criminal cases for offences punishable with imprisonment of more than three years in the last 10 years, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) (Western Range) granted permission to invoke Section 3 of the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA) against the accused persons. The IGP directed the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bantwal, to investigate the case. The case was subsequently transferred to the Mysuru Principal District and Sessions Court, which is the special court for KCOCA cases. On September 15, the Mysuru court granted bail to eight accused.On September 14, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Darshan, on the recommendation of the police, invoked provisions of the Goonda Act against Kumdelu, Rai, Thejaksha, Thumbe, Pradeepa, and Ranjith. They were retained in the central prisons where they were lodgedVHP statementIn a statement, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Dakshina Karnataka Secretary Sharan Pumpwell said the Goonda Act had been invoked to stifle the voice of Hindu activists and to appease minorities. Mr. Pumpwell said the VHP would be forced to launch a agitation if the government did not stop harassing Hindu activists.Reacting to the statement, District Congress President Designate R. Padmaraj said this was a usual attempt by the VHP to divide people on communal lines. “The State Government has no role to play in lawful actions taken by the police,” Mr. Padmaraj told reporters on Saturday.Published - September 19, 2026 08:08 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }