Bajrang Dal workers get externment notices, ex-Karnataka BJP chief slams move

Around 25 to 30 people, including a few of those from the Bajrang Dal, are at risk of being banished from the Dakshina Kannada region in Karnataka due to criminal cases registered against them. These people were served externment notices for their alleged involvement in cases, including communal rioting, moral policing and attempt to murder.

Their names have been referred to the Dakshina Kannada's Executive Magistrate recommending their removal from the area. The move has drawn criticism from former Karnataka BJP chief and Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.

Kateel vowed to prevent any of these individuals from being banished from the Dakshina Kannada region at any cost. He said that "hate politics" was going on in Karnataka.

"The notice has been sent to ban our karyakartas (workers) from the Dakshina Kannada region. They don't have even one case against them. We condemn this. We will not allow it to happen. We will take the officers to task," he said.

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police (SP) CB Ryshyanth said, "The list doesn't only involve Bajrang Dal workers. It also has Muslims, Christians and others. All of them are rowdy sheeters who have criminal cases pending against them. They have been involved in communal riots and attempt to murder."

The accused people will be called by the police for questioning, following which a final call on the duration of their banishment will be taken. But the SP said it will be done for a longer period of time.

"This isn't about any religion. None of them are innocent. They are criminals," said Ryshyanth.