Belagavi: Karnataka Police have registered a criminal case against seven persons after an alleged incident of provocative conduct during a religious procession linked to an Akhanda Hindu Sammelana in Machhe village.
The case followed a complaint by Abdul Khader Mujawar, a local resident, who said certain actions during the Sunday evening procession hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslim community. The procession passed through several parts of the village before the conference.
The complaint said the group stopped near the Ansari Dargah. Harshita Thakur, a Maharashtra based Hindu leader, stood on the bonnet of a vehicle while raising pro Hindu slogans. She then signalled the vehicle to halt and made gestures resembling the act of shooting an arrow toward the dargah. The complainant said the act amounted to an intentional provocation.
The complaint also accused Thakur of delivering a provocative speech later at the conference. The speech, the complainant said, aimed to inflame religious feelings and disturb communal harmony in the area.
Based on this account, Belagavi Rural Police registered a case against seven persons, including event organisers. Those named in the FIR include Supreet Simpi, Shrikant Kambale, Bettappa Tarihal, Shivaji Shahapurkar, Gangaram Tarihal, and Kallappa. Police invoked sections related to promoting enmity between communities and hurting religious sentiments.
Police officials said the investigation has begun. Officers are recording witness statements and collecting evidence. Further steps will depend on the findings of the probe.
On Monday, members of the Muslim community staged a protest to condemn the incident. Protesters sought strict action and urged authorities to prevent a repeat. Senior officers said security has been tightened in sensitive areas and appealed for calm and restraint.
