Tension gripped Ingali village in Hukkeri taluk of Belagavi district, Karnataka, after a disturbing video surfaced showing Sri Rama Sene (SRS) activists being tied to a tree and brutally assaulted by local youths. The video, filmed on a mobile phone by a village resident, quickly went viral, triggering widespread outrage and political reactions.
Dispute Over Cattle Transport Escalates
The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute regarding cattle transportation. On Friday, five members of the SRS allegedly intercepted a vehicle transporting cows, suspecting illegal movement of the animals for slaughter. The activists took the driver to the local police station, alleging that the cattle were en route to a slaughterhouse.
However, the driver refuted the claims, stating that the cattle were being transported for dairy use or for traditional taming. He also accused the SRS activists of making false accusations in an attempt to extort money. Following the initial incident, the cows were moved to a gaushala (cow shelter) in Ingali.
Confrontation Turns Violent
The situation intensified on the following day when a local resident, Bapusa Multhani, reportedly facilitated the release of the cattle from the shelter. Upon learning this, the activists allegedly confronted him at his residence, leading to a heated exchange.
Angered by the confrontation, a group of villagers retaliated by capturing the activists, tying them to a tree, and physically assaulting them with sticks. The act was recorded and widely circulated on social media, sparking condemnation from various quarters.
Political Reactions and Police Response
Vitthal Gaddi, Belagavi district president of Sri Rama Sene, condemned the attack and blamed the Congress-led Karnataka government. “This is no longer Siddaramaiah’s government; it has become the Khan government. The police threaten us instead of helping. If the culprits are not punished, we will launch a statewide protest,” he said.
Despite the graphic video evidence, no formal complaint has been filed by the assaulted activists. Police have reportedly urged them to come forward, but they have declined to do so.
In light of the viral footage and growing public pressure, Yamkanmardi police are considering registering a suo motu case. However, top officials, including SP Dr. Bhimashankar Guled and Inspector Javed Mushapuri, have not commented on the matter.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains pending amid rising tension in the region.
