Koppal: Tension prevailed in Koppal town after a minor Hindu girl was allegedly found with a Muslim youth at a hotel in the town, triggering protests by Hindu organisations and sharp criticism against the police over the detention of Bajrang Dal activists who questioned the youth.
According to information available, Shameer was allegedly found at Harsha Hotel along with a minor Hindu girl. After receiving information, members of Bajrang Dal reached the hotel and questioned and confronted the youth over the presence of the minor girl at the premises.
Soon after the incident, the police intervened and detained eight Bajrang Dal activists in connection with the disturbance. Cases were subsequently registered against them, leading to outrage among Hindu organisations, which accused the police of acting against those who raised questions instead of initiating strong legal action against the youth.
Activists alleged that the police were focused on suppressing the protest rather than arresting the accused. Hindu organisations further demanded that the police invoke stringent legal provisions, including those related to the protection of minors, against the youth involved.
As news of the arrests spread, workers of Vishva Hindu Parishat, Bajrang Dal and the BJP gathered in large numbers outside the Koppal Town Police Station and staged protests condemning Karnataka Congress government and its police action. Protesters accused the police department of bias and alleged that officers were trying to shield the accused youth while criminalising Hindu activists.
Amid rising tensions, Koppal Superintendent of Police Dr Ram L. Arasiddi reached the police station and held discussions with community leaders and protesters in an attempt to calm the situation. The SP reportedly assured them that the case would be investigated from all angles and action would be taken strictly as per the law.
MLC Hemalatha Nayak and BJP district president Naveen Gulagannavar also visited the police station and demanded legal action against Shameer.
Hindu organisations alleged that if the activists had not intervened, the matter would have gone unnoticed. They questioned why the police allegedly acted swiftly against the Bajrang Dal workers while delaying action against the youth. Some leaders also accused the police of attempting to “divert the issue” by focusing on the protest rather than the allegations involving the minor.
Police sources, however, maintained that action was taken against those involved in creating a disturbance and that the investigation into the circumstances under which the minor girl was found at the hotel is continuing. Officials stated that the safety and welfare of the girl remain the top priority and that all necessary legal procedures are being followed.
