Karnataka Police have initiated legal action against a prominent Hindutva activist, Arun Kumar Puthila, after he encouraged members of the community to keep weapons at home and worship swords. The move comes in the wake of Puthila’s controversial statements following last week’s violence that followed the Eid Milad procession.
Puthila, a well-known Hindutva activist in the region, alleged that the state government had permitted the public display of swords during processions, fueling his call for arming the community.
Addressing a gathering, Puthila stated, “One can see what kind of support they get. The government is supporting attacks on Hindus. Even our community possesses weapons and swords. The society is prepared to respond with force. During the Navaratri festival, weapons are worshipped. On that day, every household should perform a ritual to worship weapons. People should discontinue the worship of tools like screwdrivers and spanners and begin to venerate swords.”
In response to these remarks, the Shivamogga Rural police have registered a suo moto (on their own motion) case against the activist, indicating the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter.
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