The firing points to deteriorating law and order, says Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said the firing at Tadasinakoppa near Dharwad was a sign of the deteriorating law and order situation in the twin cities.

Speaking to presspersons on Saturday after inquiring about the health of the youths injured in the firing at a private hospital in Dharwad, Mr. Joshi said the law and order situation was worst now.

“The person who fired in Tadasinakoppa was defrauding farmers in Bidnal and Gamanagatti. It is not yet clear whether the shot was fired from a licensed weapon and the shooter has not been arrested yet. Police are still collecting information about the gun ID even four days after the incident. Developments suggest police involvement in the case,” he said.

Mr. Joshi said the main accused Sundar Pal had several cases against him and despite many complaints the accused was not arrested. “High-ranking officials seem to be involved in the case. I have information that the police themselves fired people who went to file a complaint,” he said.

Criticizing the police department, the Union minister said that it was only after media reports surfaced that the police named the main accused in the FIR. The whole development exposed the kind of corruption in the police department, he said.

Earlier, Mr. Joshi inquired about the health of Vittal Walikar, who sustained injuries in the firing and is currently recuperating in a private hospital in Dharwad. Mr. Joshi took exception to the absence of the Commissioner of Police at the hospital despite knowing about his (Joshi’s) visit and took on the police officials present at the hospital.

Published – 30 May 2026 23:21 IST