Two BJP followers were stabbed near a masjid in Boliyar, located in Mangalore taluka of Dakshina Kannada district.
DH Illustration
Mangaluru: The police on Monday have arrested five persons in connection with the stabbing of two BJP workers by a group of 20 to 25 Muslim youths following an altercation at Boliyar in Konaje police station limits, located in Mangalore taluka of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka.
Commissioner of police Anupam Agrawal said the arrested are Mohammed Shakir (28), Abdul Razak (40), Aboobakar Siddique (35), Sawad (18) and Monu alias Hafeez (24).
Those who were injured in the stabbing are Harish (41) and Nandakumar (24), both hailing from Innoli. One of the stab victims is out of danger while another has undergone a surgery at a private hospital in Deralakatte.
A third BJP worker, Krishna Kumar, was also beaten up by the group of Muslim youths but not stabbed.
The attack occurred late on Sunday night when three BJP supporters were passing a masjid in Boliyar and allegedly shouted slogans. They were apparently observing 'Vijayotsava' to celebrate the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the third term and were on their way home.
The CCTV footage of the area was collected by the police as a part of the investigation. The police have strengthened security following the incident. BJP leaders, including DK BJP president Sathish Kumpala, rushed to hospital. A large number of BJP workers had gathered in front of Konaje police station demanding arrest of suspects on Sunday night.
The Commissioner said that based on a complaint by P K Abdulla, president of Boliyar Jumma Masjid, a case has been registered against a few youths who shouted provocative slogans in front of the masjid and abused a few people who were standing outside the masjid.
The complainant has accused Suresh, Vinay, Subhash, Ranjit, Dhanajaya of creating nuisance. A case has been registered under IPC sections 143, 147, 148, 153A, 504, 506, 149.
BJP condemns attack
Condemning the stabbing incident, BJP Karnataka in its X handle posted "It feels like the Thuglak era is back in Karnataka, where shouting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' is no longer safe. The growing hatred for Bharath under @siddaramaiah is deeply alarming. BJP workers Harish Anchan and Nandakumar, who were celebrating PM Modi's electoral victory and shouting 'Bharath Mata ki Jai' in Mangaluru, were brutally stabbed by Aboobakkar, Bashir, Siddik, Monu, and 20 others. This heinous act highlights the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Karnataka under the Congress government. The rise in violent incidents and unchecked aggression is creating an atmosphere of fear and instability. This is a stark reminder of the increasing violence and chaos, underscoring the urgent need for stronger governance and security measures to protect citizens and maintain peace."
BJP State president Vijayendra in X posted "the law and order has collapsed and miscreants are active in the state. Owing to the appeasement of the Congress led government, the fundamental miscreants have no fear of the law and are engaged in such heinous acts. We will have to answer through our protest if the government fails to arrest them immediately."
Minister calls for stern action
District-in-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that stern action will be taken against those involved in law and order issues, irrespective of interference by political parties.
Replying to accusations by BJP leaders alleging that the district was experiencing a 'collapse of law and order' following a series of such violent incidents, Rao said "BJP leaders do not speak when they commit any offence. Those who commit mistakes will be punished."
“The police are acting against the culprits. All efforts are being made to arrest all those involved in the stabbing incident. An impartial probe will be conducted without any political interference. Any provocative slogans and forces should not be supported,” he said.
When asked about the motive for the stabbing, he said the police are investigating. “We will not tolerate those taking law into their hands. One should maintain peace. The focus should be on maintaining communal harmony. When an incident occurs, politicians should remain neutral and should not provoke.”
On allegations by SDPI that a few youths had created nuisance by shouting slogans in front of a masjid at Karopady, DK Superintendent of Police C B Ryshyanth said that no case has been registered so far. However, those involved in the incident will be interrogated by the police and bond will be collected from them.