Bengaluru, Ap 18: An incident involving the assault of three youths reportedly for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans in Bengaluru has sparked a political dispute, with Karnataka BJP leaders accusing the Congress-led state government of negligence. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shobha Karandlaje, visited the victims' residences in MS Palya, Bengaluru, late Wednesday night to inquire about their well-being.
According to Karandlaje, the victims, identified as Vinayak, Rahul, and Pavan, were traveling in a car holding saffron flags to celebrate Ram Navami. They were allegedly waylaid by youths from another community and assaulted near MS Palya.
"We condemn the incident. Ram Navami is celebrated nationwide today, and our youths observe the festival in various ways, including worship and processions. They naturally carry saffron flags, but they did not provoke anyone with slogans," she stated.
The victims reported that a group of five to six individuals attacked them. Karandlaje urged the police to apprehend all perpetrators. "We will not remain silent if Congress leaders from the Bengaluru North Parliamentary Constituency are involved. We will protest... I have received reports that the police are treating the matter lightly and irresponsibly. I will immediately address this with the Police Commissioner and the DCP," she added.
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka attributed the incident to the "appeasement policies" of the Congress government, vowing that the public would deliver a strong message in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Meanwhile, police have arrested two suspects and detained a minor in connection with the attack, which occurred within the jurisdiction of the Vidyaranyapura police station. DCP (North East) Lakshmi Prasad confirmed that a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). "The youths in the car were chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans when the accused intercepted them, leading to a confrontation and assault. We have launched a search for the remaining suspects," Prasad stated. According to sources, the victims were returning from Ram Navami celebrations when the attack occurred.
A viral video on social media purportedly shows bikers warning the youths against chanting 'Jai Shri Ram,' instead urging them to chant 'Allah Hu Akbar.'
