Karnataka - Bangalore

Saldanha’s appeal to minorities panel

Bangalore: The Karnataka chapter of Transparency International, headed by former judge of the Karnataka High Court, M.F. Saldanha has urged the Chairman of the National Minorities Commission to initiate appropriate action in the light of attacks on churches and minorities in several parts of the State.

In a letter to the chairman of the commission, who is now in Bangalore, Mr. Saldanha said the Government had failed in its duty to uphold the rule of law and restore peace. It had not been able to protect the lives of members of the minority community and their property.

“The evidence indicates a case of showing favour to criminals and law-breakers which is a corrupt act punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act,” he said.

Mr. Saldanha said police had entered places of worship and resorted to lathi-charge. “This is serious and amounts to sacrilege, apart from breach of human rights,” he said.

Further, the police had released Bajrang Dal activists on the orders of the BJP leaders while detaining and beating Christian youth, he alleged.

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