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Hours after BJP MP from Uttara Kannada, Anant Kumar Hegde, made a controversial statement about the destruction of Bhatkal mosque, a suo moto case was filed against him at Kumata police station on Saturday evening.
“A case has been filed against Anant Kumar Hegde. The case relates to hate speech and an attempt to create unrest in the district”, said Karwar SP Vishnuvarshan.
The police have registered the case under Section 153(A) (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence). The investigation is still underway, the officials said.
Earlier on Saturday, addressing a gathering in the Uttara Kannada district, Hegde remarked that the Bhatkal Mosque would be destroyed, similar to the Babri Masjid, which was demolished by Kar Sevaks in 1992.
He said, “The destruction of Bhatkal Mosque is guaranteed like Babri Masjid. This is not the decision of Anantkumar Hegde, but the decision of Hindu society.”
Hegde also targeted Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah and said, “Siddaramaiah first said he didn’t receive an invitation to the inauguration of Ayodhya Ram’s Mandir. Then he said he wouldn’t attend it. I would like to say, whether he comes or not, the inauguration of Ram Mandir will happen.”
In response to Hegde’s statement, Siddaramaiah said, “This is the manner in which they express themselves. Can we demand respect from individuals who engage in political discourse? Politically, the use of offensive language may not affect me, but it reflects on their character.”
