Mangaluru: RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat has questioned the police notice issued to him in connection with the Rahman murder case, saying he would not be intimidated by the notice and maintaining that he had only spoken to one of the accused over the phone.

Speaking in Bantwal, Bhat said he had spoken to Bharath Kumdelu over the phone but denied encouraging anyone to attack or kill anybody.

‘Police notice means nothing to me’

Bhat questioned the significance of the notice issued by the police, referring to the number of cases registered against him.

“I have more than 110 cases against me. What difference does this case make? The police notice is nothing to me,” he said.

Bhat acknowledged speaking to Bharath over the phone and argued that the conversation was protected by the freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution.

“I did speak to him over the phone. Did I tell him to attack or kill anyone? The police have a recording of the conversation. Do they not know what is in it?” he questioned.

He also questioned the need for him to appear for interrogation and said the police should act according to the law rather than on the directions of political leaders.

Bhat said Hindu organisations did not support murder but alleged that cases had been registered against people who had no connection with the incident.

“The government should not try to suppress us by citing statements made by the Home Minister or Chief Minister,” he said.

Criticism over action against Bharath Kumdelu

Referring to the arrest of Bharath Kumdelu, Bhat alleged that several cases, including provisions of the Goonda Act, had been invoked against people who were not connected with the murder.

He claimed that Bharath’s family had faced difficulties following his arrest and alleged that people who assisted the family had also been booked in cases.

“We will not support murder. But action should be taken according to law and not because the Home Minister or Chief Minister says so,” Bhat said.

Bhat raises concerns over Sowjanya case SIT

Bhat also commented on the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to reinvestigate the Sowjanya case.

He welcomed the decision to constitute the SIT but expressed reservations about the officers included in the team.

“It is good that an SIT has been formed, but we have some doubts about the officers in the team. Not all the officers in the SIT may be beyond question,” he said.

Bhat praised Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and said he had confidence in his professionalism. At the same time, he expressed reservations about some other officials involved in the investigation.

He urged the SIT to conduct its inquiry independently and establish the truth without being influenced by external considerations.

‘Find the truth after 14 years’

Bhat said the Sowjanya case had remained unresolved for 14 years and called on the SIT to establish the facts and ensure justice.

“The spirit of Sowjanya has been seeking justice for 14 years. There has been no other case like this. The SIT should find the truth,” he said.

He referred to court observations concerning Santosh Rao and previous investigating officers and said the police had the ability to identify the actual perpetrators.

Bhat also suggested that more officers with the professional reputation of Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy should have been included in the SIT to strengthen public confidence in the investigation.

Rajshekharananda Swamiji backs Bhat

Gurupura Vajradehi Mutt seer Rajshekharananda Swamiji also criticised the action against Bhat and Bharath Kumdelu while speaking at the BC Road Chalo protest.

“This is not a time to seek blessings; it is a time to protest,” he said.

The seer questioned the invocation of the Goonda Act and alleged that the action was intended to prevent Bharath from securing bail.

He appealed to the authorities not to harass Bhat and demanded the withdrawal of the Goonda Act against Bharath Kumdelu.

‘We do not support the murder’

Rajshekharananda Swamiji said Hindu organisations did not support the murder and claimed that the incident could have been committed by a few individuals out of anger.

He also warned against threats directed at Bharath Kumdelu and said Hindu organisations, including the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), stood with their workers.

“If one Bharath Kumdelu is arrested, thousands more will emerge,” he said, while reiterating his demand that the Goonda Act against Bharath be withdrawn.

The statements come amid police action in connection with the Rahman murder case and the separate move to reinvestigate the Sowjanya case through an SIT. The police investigation and legal proceedings in the respective matters will determine the facts and allegations involved.