Hindus oppose the Police for attempting to arrest a Hindu youth during protest

• Case of stone pelting on Shiv Jayanti procession in Bagalkote (Karnataka)

• Police attempt arrest during peaceful protest

Bagalkote (Karnataka) – The city was under tension after stones and footwear were thrown at a procession taken out to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Even after 7 days of this incident, the situation has not calmed down yet. On February 27th, Hindus staged a large protest in front of the District Collector’s Office. At the time, Bagalkote Police tried to arrest Hindu activists. Citizens and women from Killa Oni opposed the arrests and blocked the Police. When Police were trying to arrest a youth named Muttu Magi, citizens expressed their anger, alleging that they were arresting innocent people. The women criticized the Police.

1. Former MLA of Bagalkote Veeranna Charantimath visited the place and tried to calm the angry citizens. Women and Hindu activists demanded that the Superintendent of Police himself comes to the place and take action against the concerned Police officers. Charantimath contacted Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal and reprimanded him and asked him not to harass the poor people in the name of arrest. “I am trying to calm the people. It is not right for Police personnel to behave like this,” he said.

2. Charantimath spoke to Deputy Superintendent of Police Prashant Munnoli, who was present at the scene. He asked why Police force was sent in a peaceful protest of Hindus. “The boy’s parents are here; the women’s clothes are torn. If you behave like this, you are pouring oil in the fire. This will not bring peace.” He asked to drop the youth concerned at his home and promised to meet the Superintendent of Police for discussion. Later, he requested the citizens to return.

Editorial Perspectives

• Why Police take action against Hindus instead of taking action against stone pelters ? Do the Police have courage to act against religious fanatic stone pelters ?
• Since the Congress came to power in Karnataka, Police have been taking actions only against Hindus. It seems like Mughal rule has returned to Karnataka.