Mangaluru: The district BJP on Monday said that both state government and Ramanath Rai were responsible for the cases filed against Hindu leaders and warned that BJP would stage a strong protest if 'fake' cases against Hindu leaders were not withdrawn. The BJP also alleged that some 'Kerala-based organizations and criminals' are being used to disrupt peace in Bantwal, adding that it was they who pelted stones during the funeral procession of slain RSS worker Sharath in BC Road.

Adressing a press meet at the party office here, BJP district president Sanjeeva Matandoor said that the state government and district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai are behind the recent filing of cases against Hindu leaders. "Section 144 has been in force in Bantwal for 45 days now. Still, people of Bantwal and especially BC Road are living in fear. The state government and the district in-charge minister have failed to control the situation. Chief minister Siddaramaiah, the state home department and the district elected representative Ramanath Rai are responsible for all the recent incidents in BC road," he said.

MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik said that Congress is targeting Hindu leaders without any proof. "For the first time in the history of Dakshina Kannada, we are experiencing 45-day long prohibitory orders. But despite Section 144 being imposed, criminals are roaming in the district without any fear. It is the failure of law and order. All the recent untoward incidents have happened in Ramanath Rai's constituency. It indicates that he has failed to perform his duty as district in-charge minister," alleged Karnik.