Hindu youth assaulted for sitting next to a Muslim girl in a bus !

• Hindus targeted by radical Muslims in Chikkamagaluru (Karnataka)

• Media referring to such incidents as ‘moral policing’

Chikkamagaluru (Karnataka) – Incidents of religious fanatics targeting Hindus are continuing here. The media have stated that incidents of ‘moral policing’ (imposing personal, cultural, or religious standards on individuals or groups without legal authority and targeting them) are taking place in Karnataka. These incidents have created a reign of fear among Hindus. In one such brazen act, a Hindu college student was assaulted by a vigilante gang merely for sitting next to a Muslim girl in a bus, and his mobile phone was snatched. This shocking incident occurred near AIT Circle in the city.

Yogesh, a student studying at a private college in the city, and a Muslim girl from the same college are classmates. On the morning of 27 February, while both were travelling together by bus to college, Yogesh was seated next to the Muslim girl. On seeing this, a youth named Sahil and his group began arguing with him, asking, “Why are you sitting next to my friend’s sister ?”

At that time, Yogesh stated that they studied in the same college and were classmates, and defended himself by saying, “What is wrong in sitting next to a friend ?” Enraged by this, Sahil and his group attempted to assault him.

In the evening, after college hours, as Yogesh was coming out, Sahil’s gang intercepted him near AIT Circle. They assaulted him in a public place, snatched his mobile phone, and fled from the spot. It is learnt that another youth who came to intervene in the dispute was also assaulted by the group.

Immediately after the incident, local residents informed the police. Police from Basavanahalli Police Station rushed to the spot and conducted an inspection. Investigation has been initiated on the basis of CCTV footage from the college premises.

There is a demand from the public that strict action should be taken against such tendencies that give a communal colour to cordial relations between friends and indulge in ‘moral policing.’

At present, a case has been registered at Basavanahalli Police Station in this matter, and the police are searching for the absconding accused.

Editorial Perspectives

• With the Congress government in power in Karnataka — which is akin to ‘Mughal rule’ — it would be surprising if such and similar incidents against Hindus did not occur daily ! If Hindus in Karnataka do not wish to face such incidents every day, it is imperative that they remove the Congress from power !

• Muslims are not engaging in ‘moral policing,’ but are targeting Hindus out of religious fanaticism. Note that by using terms such as ‘moral policing,’ the media are reducing the severity of the acts committed by religious fanatics !