Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged chanting of “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans outside the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on February 27. The incident occurred during the Rajya Sabha election, as supporters of Congress Rajya Sabha candidate Nasir Hussain celebrated his victory.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ilthaz from Delhi, Munavar from Bengaluru, and Mohammed Shafi from Haveri, Karnataka. Bengaluru’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), Shekhar T, confirmed the arrests, stating that they were based on a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report and other evidence.
According to police statements, legal action will be taken against the arrested individuals following their court appearance. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara assured that the police have been granted full authority to handle the case.
Meanwhile, state BJP chief BY Vijayendra attributed the arrests to the relentless protests conducted by the BJP inside and outside the Vidhan Soudha. He urged the Chief Minister to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter, questioning the background of the arrested individuals and those responsible for permitting them entry into the Vidhana Soudha.
The arrest has left Mohammed Shafi’s family in Haveri in a state of distress, with his sister asserting his innocence before journalists. The case has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging regarding the alleged slogans raised during the incident.
Following the incident, political parties engaged in a war of words, with the ruling government in the state awaiting the release of the FSL report for conclusive evidence. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge stated that preliminary analysis by a private agency suggested no evidence of pro-Pakistan slogans, pending confirmation from the FSL report.
In response, the BJP released its analysis, claiming that the slogans were indeed raised, further fueling the debate. The party accused Priyank Kharge of heading an “anti-national and fake news factory” and demanded accountability for the alleged dissemination of false information.
Sources By Agencies