Karnataka: Priest Who Called For The Destruction Of Srirangapatna Masjid Arrested

A priest who made a video calling for the demolition of the Srirangapatna mosque was arrested by Chikmagalur police on Tuesday.

On Monday, Rishi Kumar Swamy of Kalika Mutt released a video standing in front of the Jamia Masjid in Srirangapatna inciting people to demolish it, which he alleged was built in the place of a temple.

In a communally charged video, which went viral on social media, Rishi Kumar is seen calling for a “Babri style” demolition of the mosque. Last month, provocative posters were circulated by Hindutva groups calling for the demolition of the mosque.

Following his incendiary statements, the police arrested him from the Chikmagalur Mutt during the early hours on Tuesday.

Rishi Kumar first shot into the limelight in 2013, after a private TV channel telecast a 12-episode serial, exposing him. In the programme, Kumar had boasted how he “can put his feet on former Chief Minister Yeddyyurappa’s chest and can hold the collar of Basavaraj Bommai, and can settle deals worth crores through phone calls.”