Karnataka Police have initiated legal action against a prominent Hindutva activist, Arun Kumar Puthila, after he encouraged members of the community to keep weapons at home and worship swords. The move comes in the wake of Puthila’s controversial statements following last week’s violence that followed the Eid Milad procession.
Puthila, a well-known Hindutva activist in the region, alleged that the state government had permitted the public display of swords during processions, fueling his call for arming the community.
Addressing a gathering, Puthila stated, “One can see what kind of support they get. The government is supporting attacks on Hindus. Even our community possesses weapons and swords. The society is prepared to respond with force. During the Navaratri festival, weapons are worshipped. On that day, every household should perform a ritual to worship weapons. People should discontinue the worship of tools like screwdrivers and spanners and begin to venerate swords.”
In response to these remarks, the Shivamogga Rural police have registered a suo moto (on their own motion) case against the activist, indicating the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter.
Puthila further alleged that the Congress government in the state was supporting fundamentalist forces in an effort to gain votes. He stated, “The Shivamogga violence was a pre-planned act. In this region, the Ganesh festival is celebrated on a grand scale. Fundamentalist forces have engaged in this act solely to intimidate the Hindu community.”
It’s worth noting that Arun Kumar Puthila was previously associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, after being denied a party ticket, he contested as an Independent candidate from the Puttur constituency during the May Assembly polls and secured the second-highest number of votes.
