A Special Court for People’s Representatives in Karnataka has ordered the police to conduct a probe against Rural Development and Panchayat Raj minister KS Eshwarappa for making provocative speeches after the murder of Bajrang Dal worker Harsha, the News Minute reported.
After the police didn’t act on the complaint lodged at the station, the private complaint was lodged with the metropolitan magistrate’s court that only deals with cases against MPs and MLAs. The court directed the police to probe into the matter.
In February this year, Bajrang Dal leader Harsha’s murder had sparked violent protests across Shivamogga. Prohibitory orders were clamped in the district after incidents of violence and arson were reported.
A day after Harsha’s death, violence broke out during the funeral procession, headed by Eshwarappa during which some people were injured. The police ruled out the possibility that he was killed by those protesting against the hijab ban.
The complaint, meanwhile stated that Eshwarappa and the other accused corporator Channabasappa “propagated publicly that the murder of Harsha took place due to political and religious causes.”
During that time, Eshwarappa in a press conference had suggested that Harsha’s killers were Muslims, and had said that such “goondaism” would not be allowed in the district.
The complaint pointed out that such statements were made by RDPR Minister with the intention of creating enmity between Hindus and Muslims, and demanded that he should be booked under IPC Sections 124(a) [bringing or attempting to bring hatred by words], 153(a) [promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth etc], 153(b), 295(a) [deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings] and 504 [intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace], according to reports.
Shivamogga Peace Organization’s Riyaz Ahmed, who is the complainant, also said that he had approached the police and higher authorities to take action against Eshwarappa, but no action was taken.
However, the Special Court ordered the Doddapete Station House Officer (SHO) to investigate Riyaz’s complaint against Eshwarappa, who is known for making controversial and inflammatory remarks.
(With inputs from TNM)
