On Tuesday, Belgaum Police apprehended nine individuals for displaying a poster inciting communal discord in the city. City police officers filed a case on their own initiative against the nine accused, alleged members of a pro-Hindutva group.
The group displayed a sizable banner outside a mosque in Bapat Galli, Belgaum, featuring cartoons depicting Muslim youth enticing Hindu girls, followed by their murder, under the label “Love Jihad.”
The individuals involved in the incident are Chetan Parashuram Killekar, Shubham Parashuram Killekar, Nagesh Murakute, Lokanath alias Lokesh Jayasing Rajaput, Satish Keshav Gavane, Kartik Mohan Gavane, Vinay Prakash Murakute, Appanna Rayade, and Prasad Chavan.
They were charged under different sections of the Indian Penal Code, which include provisions related to unlawful assembly, intentionally insulting or outraging religious sentiments of any Indian citizen group, spreading statements with the aim of inciting hatred between classes, and holding members of an unlawful assembly vicariously liable.
Internet users brought up this matter by sharing images of the poster and mentioning several police officers in their posts. They voiced apprehension regarding its potential impact on the city’s law and order situation.
Muzaffar Bagwan expressed concern over the continuous efforts of communal elements to sow discord between Hindus and Muslims in Belgaum city. He stated that some communal offenders had posted Love Jihad posters in the streets, aiming to disrupt society.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohan Jagadeesh confirmed that an FIR had been filed, the accused had been apprehended, and appropriate measures had been taken in response to Bagwan’s request. Users such as Kaif Harlapur and Mohammad Ameen praised the police’s actions.
