By P.T. Bopanna
Is a powerful Congress politician in Kodagu (Coorg) district trying to stifle dissent by threatening to unleash the police machinery?
At the outset, I wish to clarify that I consider Kodagu SP R.N. Bindu Mani (in picture), IPS, a conscientious officer.
It has been talked about in recent weeks that a powerful Congress politician from Kodagu who is close to the centre of power in capital Bengaluru has been allegedly using the police machinery to silence his opponents.
The most blatant misuse of police power occurred when a group of farmers from Kodagu were on their way to participate in a peaceful protest against the Bidadi township project in Bengaluru.
Kodagu Farmers’ Association district president Manu somayya alleged that “unseen hands” were behind the arrest of farmers near Kodagu border. He pointed out that they were illegally detained in wedding halls and police stations, instead of being produced before the courts.
Referring to the incident, Kodagu SP Bindu Mani noted that the farmers were detained as a “precautionary measure following the orders issued by their superiors.”
I have been told by opposition political leaders from Kodagu that the police are not allowing them to protest peacefully and they were being threatened that anti-goonda law will be used against them, reportedly at the instance of a Congress politician.
This is not a healthy development taking into consideration that Kodagu people and politicians have been law-abiding in the past.
I appeal to Kodagu SP to ensure that reasonable dissent is not curbed by police officials who may be acting under the influence of politicians.
It is well known by now that how prime minister Narendra Modi who tried to control the narrative by threatening his opponents, is now dealing with the Jantar Mantar crowds in Delhi.
After brutal violence was unleashed on protesters, including teenage girls and children, the BJP government at the Centre has spoiled its reputation. It is sad to see prime minister Modi being made the butt of jokes on social media by children. Never in Independent India, the prime minister of the country has come under such ridicule. The way forward is not to snuff out dissent, both in Kodagu and across the country.