BJP MLC CT Ravi on Friday criticised the Karnataka Congress government for withdrawing criminal cases related to the Hubbali police station rioting case, accusing the party of indulging in appeasement politics. He warned that the Hindu community would not tolerate such actions.
Speaking to ANI, Ravi said, “Who recommended the withdrawal of the case against those who set the police station on fire? Congress did. Last year, petrol bombs were hurled at a Ganesh procession in Nagamangala, Mandya, and yet recommendations were made to withdraw the case. Due to this appeasement, some communal forces feel emboldened, leading to incidents like the recent stone pelting in Maddur. How long will the Hindu community tolerate this? They will not stand it.”
Ravi’s remarks came amid heightened tensions in Maddur following a stone pelting incident during a Ganpati immersion program. Maddur Police filed a suo motu FIR against him for delivering a speech allegedly capable of inciting hatred between communities.
The complaint, lodged by Sub-Inspector Manjunath, claimed that Ravi targeted the Muslim community in his speech, making inflammatory statements about communal growth and alleged threats during the procession.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that FIRs have also been filed against BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal, cautioning political leaders against making provocative statements. “Police action will be taken against whoever acts against the law. Be it a Muslim or a Hindu, if stones are pelted, the Police will act. This should be left to the police. BJP leaders went there and made provocative speeches — this is not right,” Parameshwara told reporters.
The Maddur stone pelting incident on September 8 has escalated communal tensions in the region, prompting authorities to maintain vigilance.