SDPI raises pro-Pakistan slogans after victory in Karnataka local body polls, FIR lodged

The Radical Islamist outfit, Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is accused of raising pro-Pakistan slogans after their victory in the Karnataka local body elections. The result indicates that SDPI has made inroads to the rural areas of the state. Reacting to the incident SP of Dakshin Karnataka B.M. Laxmi Prasad said that the police have taken cognisance of the video clipping. A case was registered against 15 SDPI activists for offences under Sections 124 (A) (sedition) and 143 (unlawful assembly) of the Indian Penal Code.

A 54-second video clip showing a group of people carrying flags of the SDPI and raising pro-Pakistan slogans went viral on social media in the afternoon. The slogans in support of Pakistan are heard amid the counting centre authorities announcing the counting of votes related to Mundaje Gram Panchayat in Belthangady Taluk. Denying the allegations, Hyder Ali, president of SDPI Belthangady Assembly unit, claimed that SDPI activists said ‘SDPI zindabad’ and not ‘Pakistan zindabad’.

SDPI and its parent organisation, the Popular Front of India (PFI) are accused of carrying out anti-national activities and are under the scanner of security agencies. Recently, the officials of Enforcement Directorate had raided the offices of PFI across the nation. PFI members are also accused of instigating the Delhi riots and funding anti-CAA protests.