Bengaluru: Karnataka State Hotels Association (KSHA) has raised alarms regarding the rising incidents of assaults, homicides, extortion and various other criminal activities targeting Hotel and Bakery business owners throughout the state especially in rural areas.
The President of the Association G K Shetty, has called upon the state Government and the Police Department to implement stringent measures without delay to avert similar criminal activities in the future. He cautioned that widespread protests across the state would ensue if the assaults on hoteliers persist.
In a press release, he stated that the recent event involving a group of assailants who fatally stabbed a bakery owner, Chetan, with deadly weapons just a short distance from the KRS police station, a well-known tourist attraction in Mandya district, has instilled a sense of fear among Hotel proprietors.
According to media reports, proprietors of Hotels and Bakeries are increasingly falling prey to extortion through hafta collection. Those who refuse to comply face physical violence and threats to their lives. Such henious acts, including murder, are fostering a climate of fear among these business owners.
This situation has been characterised as a blemish on Karnataka, a region once celebrated as the garden of peace by the Rastrakavi Kuvempu.
Hotel and Bakery proprietors are contributing substantial amounts in taxes annually to local authorities, the State Government, and the Central Government in various forms, including trade licenses and GST.
In doing so, they are actively participating in the process of nation building. Their efforts significantly bolster the national economy through the promotion of tourism and the creation of local employment opportunities. Nevertheless, it is disheartening to note that their personal safety remains unprotected.
He submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister of the state, Dr G Parameshwara in this regard.
The Government, along with the Home Department and the Police Department, must ensure the safety of hotel and bakery owners, safeguarding both their businesses and lives. It is imperative that stringent penalties are imposed on those found guilty. Measures should be implemented to avert the recurrence of such incidents.
Failing this, Shetty stated that all association members will demonstrate their discontent by donning black armbands.
“We want justice. We are looking for proactive action by the state government to protect the hoteliars,” he stated.
He also urged the government to provide assistance to the bakery entrepreneur who had fallen victim to the crime.
– Team Mysoorunews
