Karnataka MLA SR Vishwanath has sparked fresh discussions about migration and crime in Bengaluru by advocating for stricter penalties for migrant offenders, which has led to significant controversy. His provocative comment included an implied suggestion for extrajudicial measures: “Why aim for their legs, shoot a little above that.”
What Did Karnataka MLA Say?
SR Vishwanath, representing the Yelahanka constituency in Karnataka, has ignited a debate by proposing tougher sanctions for migrant criminals. His statement, which has generated considerable discussion, included: “Why shoot at their legs, shoot a little above that.”
This comment arose amid reports of recent criminal activities involving individuals from outside Karnataka, including those from Nepal and Bihar. Vishwanath claimed that a significant share of crimes in Bengaluru is attributed to outsiders.
He elaborated, “Recently, individuals from Nepal attacked locals, and those involved in a murder during Holi celebrations were from Bihar. Why show them mercy? Why merely shoot at their right leg? Let it go a little higher,” he stated to the home minister on the legislative floor on Wednesday evening.
Past Crimes in Karnataka Committed by Immigrants
Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, has seen a troubling series of crimes perpetrated by individuals from outside the state, intensifying the discourse on migration and its effects on public safety.
Recently, three laborers were brutally killed at a construction site in Bengaluru Rural’s Sarjapura during Holi festivities, with the culprits originating from Bihar.
Furthermore, violent confrontations between two groups of Nepali nationals erupted during Holi celebrations.
Additionally, the horrifying murder of Mahalakshmi, who was dismembered into over 50 pieces and hidden in a refrigerator, was carried out by her boyfriend Mukti Ranjan Roy, who is from Odisha.
What is the Immigration Rate in Karnataka?
In a 2019 report, it was noted that Bengaluru had a population of 96.2 lakh according to the 2011 census, with a striking 44.3 lakh identified as migrants.
This data was derived from migration figures recently made available by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner.
The migrant count has more than doubled since the last census, which recorded a migrant population of 20.8 lakh out of a total of 65,37,124 residents, as stated in the 2019 findings.
Approximately 50.6% of Bengaluru’s inhabitants are migrants, with a significant number coming from various parts of Karnataka as well as neighboring states like Tamil Nadu.
It is worth noting that India has not conducted a national census since 2011.
