Beltangady: A court in Beltangady has convicted a man in a case related to an alleged provocative speech delivered during a protest meeting in 2015. The court sentenced the accused to six months’ simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹10,000 after finding him guilty under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The case was registered at Beltangady Police Station following a protest organised by the then Popular Front of India (PFI), Beltangady zone, near the Belthangady Taluk Office on July 23, 2015.

Speech allegedly hurt religious sentiments

According to the prosecution, the accused, Mohammed Riyaz Farangipete, allegedly made a provocative speech during the protest meeting in a manner that hurt religious sentiments and promoted enmity.

Following the incident, Beltangady police registered Crime No. 315/2015 against him under Sections 153(A) and 295(A) of the Indian Penal Code.

Section 153(A) pertains to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds such as religion, race, place of birth, residence or language, while Section 295(A) relates to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

Investigation and chargesheet

The investigation was conducted by the then Beltangady Police Sub-Inspector and investigating officer Ravi B. S.

During the course of the investigation, the officer collected documentary and other relevant evidence before filing the chargesheet in the jurisdictional court.

The case subsequently proceeded to trial, during which the prosecution presented evidence in support of the charges.

Court finds accused guilty

After examining the evidence placed before it, the court held that the prosecution had proved the charges against the accused.

Judge Ramalingappa convicted Mohammed Riyaz Farangipete and sentenced him to six months’ simple imprisonment under Section 153(A) of the IPC.

The court also imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on the accused.

Prosecution represented by APP

The prosecution was represented by Assistant Public Prosecutor Ashitha, who argued the case before the court.

The conviction brings to a close legal proceedings arising from the protest meeting held more than a decade ago.