CHIKKAMAGALURU: Strong condemnation has erupted in Chikkamagaluru after police registered cases not only against alleged stone pelters but also against Hindu youths who caught the accused and handed them over to authorities. Hindu organisations have termed the move “unjust” and “demoralising,” alleging that the police action equates victims with offenders and sends a wrong message to the public.
The incident occurred near Tilak Park in the city’s Vijayanagar locality, where a Hindu family had complained of repeated stone pelting on their house over the past week. According to the complaint filed by Sudha, unidentified miscreants had been targeting their residence during the afternoon and night hours, creating fear among family members. “We are living in constant fear. Stones have been thrown at our house repeatedly,” she stated in her complaint.
On Monday night, local youths reportedly caught two individuals identified as Hussain and Riyan, allegedly while they were involved in stone pelting and handed them over to the Basavanahalli police. However, the situation took a contentious turn when police registered a counter case against Shyam and Santosh, who were among those who caught the accused.
Shyam is said to be associated with Bajrang Dal’s Hassan division, while Santosh is the district president of BJP Yuva Morcha in Chikkamagaluru. Police booked them under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on a complaint that they assaulted the accused with a bat. The injured youths, including Akshad and Hussain, were admitted to the district government hospital. Cases have also been registered under relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The decision to file FIRs against those who apprehended the alleged offenders has drawn sharp criticism from Hindu groups, who argue that citizens acted in self-defence and in aid of law enforcement. Leaders of VHP and Bajrang Dal questioned why individuals who sought to protect their homes and assist police should face criminal charges.
“This is a clear case of police succumbing to pressure,” alleged a local Hindu activist, claiming that action against the youths was taken only after objections were raised by SDPI leaders and members of the Muslim community. SDPI representatives, on the other hand, maintained that Muslim youths were assaulted without provocation and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Tension escalated outside Basavanahalli police station as members of both communities gathered in large numbers. For a few hours on Monday night, the area witnessed high drama, with slogan shouting and heated exchanges. Police later tightened security in and around the station and the hospital to prevent any untoward incidents.
Hindu leaders argue that registering a counter-case in such circumstances discourages citizens from intervening in crimes. “If people who catch miscreants and hand them over to police are treated as accused, who will come forward in the future?” questioned another Hindu organisation office-bearer.
Family members of the complainant also expressed anguish. Gagan, a relative of the house owner, said the family had approached police earlier about repeated stone pelting. “My mother and sister stay alone at home during the day. Stones were being thrown frequently. When locals finally caught the culprits and handed them over, cases are now filed against them too,” he said.
Meanwhile, police officials have defended their action, stating that both complaints were examined and cases registered based on prima facie evidence. They maintained that law will take its course and that no one will be spared if found guilty.
Additional police forces have been deployed under the supervision of senior officers to maintain peace. Authorities have appealed to residents not to spread rumours and to cooperate with the investigation.
