The Mangaluru city police have registered a case against Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty for allegedly making a hate speech against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The case was filed following a complaint by Mangaluru City Corporation councillor Anil Kumar.
Dr. Shetty is charged under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to statements conducive to public mischief. The incident in question occurred during a BJP-organized protest in Kavoor, Mangaluru, where Dr. Shetty reportedly stated that Rahul Gandhi should be slapped for making a statement against Hindus in the Lok Sabha.
The provocative remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Congress leaders, including former Minister B. Ramanath Rai and MLC Ivan D’Souza. They condemned Dr. Shetty’s statements, calling them inflammatory and harmful to public harmony.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between political parties and the sensitivity surrounding public statements by political leaders. The police investigation will seek to determine the full context and impact of Dr. Shetty’s speech, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings.
The incident underscores the importance of responsible speech by public figures and the potential legal consequences of statements that incite public mischief or hatred.