Udupi: Police arrested a leader of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike on charges of delivering a provocative speech during a protest in the city. Officers identified the accused as Ratnakar Ameen, aged 49, from Marne Nadibettu in Ajjarkad.
The Hindu Jagarana Vedike, Udupi unit, held a protest near the Jatka Stand on November 15. The protest focused on the Delhi bomb blast incident. Police state that Ameen spoke at the gathering and used words that promoted hatred between religious groups. Officers registered a case at the Udupi Town police station after reviewing the events.
A special team led by Udupi Town Police Inspector Manjunath V. Badiger collected intelligence on Ameen’s movements. The team tracked him to Mangaluru Central Railway Station. Officers detained him on the morning of November 18. Police then took him into custody and presented him before the court.
Local officers say the speech risked disturbing communal peace in the region. Police have tightened monitoring of events that involve sensitive subjects to prevent attempts to inflame tensions. Investigators are reviewing footage from the protest and statements from witnesses. Further action will depend on evidence gathered during the inquiry.
As reported by Vartha Bharati
