Maddur, Karnataka: A day after an FIR was registered against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader CT Ravi, Vijaypura MLA Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) has been booked for allegedly delivering a provocative speech in Maddur, Mandya district, that created enmity between communities and hurt religious sentiments.
The incident comes amid heightened tension in Maddur following clashes and stone pelting during a Ganpati procession on September 8. Officials said Patil visited the area on Thursday and delivered a speech that allegedly inflamed communal sentiments. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by PSI Manjunath, who had also lodged a complaint against CT Ravi.
Legal action under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita
Karnataka police registered a case against Patil under Sections 196(1)(a) (promoting enmity between groups), 299 (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
Earlier on Thursday, CT Ravi, an MLC and former Karnataka minister, was booked for delivering a “provocative speech” in the same region. According to the complaint, Ravi allegedly stated:
“When they are only 5 per cent, they are already showing their true colours. If they become 50 per cent, will our children and grandchildren even be able to survive? They will break society. Some conspirators, for the sake of votes, are trying to divide Hindu society… We will break your shoulders. We will take your heads too. We know how to break shoulders. The Hindu community has the strength to bury stone-pelters inside the very stones they throw.”
Political reactions
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticised the BJP leaders’ visits to the clash-hit region. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said:
“They (BJP) have no other work. Their job is only to divide people. Their job is only to ignite fire. Their only work is to do politics. They have not done any development. Let them go to Delhi and bring NREGA funds, bring tax money. Let them get approvals for Cauvery, Mekedatu, and Mahadayi.”
Background of the Maddur clashes
The unrest in Maddur began during the Ganpati procession near a mosque on September 8. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the crowd had been asked not to linger in the area for too long. On the same day, pro-Hindu organisations staged protests against the reported stone pelting during the Ganesh idol immersion.
In response to the clashes, police arrested 21 individuals. Authorities also resorted to a lathi charge to disperse protesters and maintain law and order.
The situation remains tense in Maddur, with officials continuing investigations into the speeches and communal unrest to prevent further escalation.