The Karnataka police have taken action against Pramod Muthalik, the chief of Sri Ram Sena, by filing an FIR (First Information Report) against him on charges of making provocative remarks intended to hurt the sentiments of members of another religion. The FIR was registered in response to a complaint filed by Chandrashekhargouda Malipatil, Assistant Commissioner of Hubballi-Dharwad Mahanagara Palike (HDMP) Zone No 8.
The incident in question occurred during Muthalik’s visit to the Ganapathi pandal at Idgah Maidan near Chennamma Circle in Hubballi on the last day of the Ganeshotsav celebration. It is alleged that during his visit, Muthalik made statements that were deemed provocative and offensive by the complainant.
Assistant Commissioner Malipatil’s complaint stated that Muthalik had intentionally made provocative remarks to hurt the sentiments of members of another religion. As a result, the police have registered the FIR under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 153A and 295A, which deal with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, respectively.
During his visit to the Ganapathi pandal at Idgah Maidan, Muthalik had also spoken to the electronic media and used the term ‘anti-nationals’ to refer to Anjuman-E-Islam in connection with their objections to the Ganeshotsav celebration at Idgah Maidan.
Muthalik’s comments did not stop there; he further stated, “If you provoke the peace-loving Hindu community on issues related to the country and religion in the coming days, the community has the strength to install a Ganapathi idol inside a masjid and perform puja. If you continue such troubles and arrogance, we will oppose namaz and will not allow you to step here.”
In response to Muthalik’s statements, Congress MLA Prasad Abbayya condemned them, characterizing them as acts aimed at deliberately disturbing peace and communal harmony in society. Abbayya called upon the government to take appropriate action against Muthalik, including considering his externment from the state. He encouraged people not to take Muthalik’s statements seriously and to celebrate festivals peacefully.
In the wake of Muthalik’s remarks, office-bearers of Anjuman-E-Islam submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner and the Police Commissioner, urging measures to arrest Muthalik under the Goonda Act and requesting that his entry to Hubballi city be prohibited. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for responsible and inclusive dialogue in society and the consequences of incendiary remarks that can potentially disturb communal harmony.
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