Hindutva Watch condemns the recent police complaint filed by Sambhaji alias Banda Salunkhe, a Hindu far-right leader from Kolhapur, Maharashtra against one of our posts exposing his role in inciting communal tensions in the region.
We see this as a desperate attempt to intimidate and silence us, as well as a calculated ploy by Salunkhe to evade accountability for making communal speeches and his role in the Kolhapur riots and Vishalgadh Shrine hate crime (Feb 2023) in which a group of extremists fired a crude rocket at the shrine.
Salunkhe, in his complaint, said that he was not involved in Vishalgadh Shrine’s hate crime, but the video evidence suggests otherwise. He, infact, unfurled a saffron flag outside the shrine.
At Hindutva Watch, our primary objective is to shed light on incidents of hate crimes and hate speeches that perpetuate discrimination, violence, and intolerance against religious minorities. We stand firm in our commitment to exposing such acts and holding individuals accountable, regardless of their political affiliations or positions of power.
The filing of this police complaint only serves to underscore the importance and necessity of our work. We believe in the power of information, transparency, and accountability to challenge hate-filled ideologies that seek to destroy harmony, unity, and understanding among all communities.
We will not be deterred by such attempts to intimidate or silence us. Hindutva Watch will continue its research and documentation to ensure that those responsible for hate crimes and hate speeches face legal consequences for their actions.
We call on the Police to launch a thorough investigation into Salunkhe’s activities over the past year and his role in disrupting communal harmony in the region. We are ready to provide the Police with evidence of his involvement in recent communal incidents (mentioned above).
To our supporters and allies, we express our gratitude for your unwavering support. Your solidarity fuels our determination to continue our mission and seek accountability for those who perpetuate hate and bigotry.
Copy of the police complaint:
