Mysuru: Nearly two months after the defacement of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s portrait at a community hall in Vajamangala village, the Varuna police have arrested two individuals—Rangegowda from Kokkarehundi and Vasanth Kumar from Choranahalli—for their alleged involvement in the incident.
The act, which took place on the night of April 18, involved miscreants smearing dirt and tearing a banner bearing Ambedkar’s image at the Ambedkar Community Hall. Initially, both suspects were interrogated but denied any involvement, and police lacked conclusive evidence.
However, following a more in-depth investigation, police managed to uncover proof linking the two men to the crime. They were arrested on June 19 and produced before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody, officials confirmed.
A case was registered under BNS Section 298, which pertains to injuring or defiling a place of worship with the intent to insult the religion of any class. Given the sensitive nature of the incident, a special investigation team was constituted under SP Vishnuvardhana N, with Mysuru Rural DySP Abdul Karim leading the probe.
Sources within the police revealed that the accused confessed to committing the act out of personal revenge against the village, rather than any ideological motivation.
The case had sparked local outrage and drew attention from community leaders demanding swift action and justice. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to determine if more individuals were involved.