Karnataka: Protest against Quran recitation in Beluru; Hindu activists lathi-charged (Siasat)

Hindu organisations had objected to the age-old tradition of reciting the Quran before moving the chariot last year following a series of developments in the state.

Hassan: Karnataka police on Tuesday lathi-charged Bajrang Dal and Hindu activists when their protest against recital of Quran at a historical Hindu religious fair turned violent in Beluru town of the district.

The Hindu organisations had given a bandh call in this regard in Beluru town. The situation turned volatile when a Muslim youth raised the “Quran Zindabad” slogan amid the protest.

The Bajrang Dal and Hindu activists questioned the youth and surrounded him. The situation turned serious when the youth got into an argument with the agitators. Later, he was chased by protesters. Meanwhile, another group of agitators blocked the road.

Taking no chance, the police resorted to lathi charge and quelled the mob. It also took the youth into custody and are interrogating him.

The Hindu activists had submitted a memorandum to the Tehsildar office demanding that the verses of Quran should not be recited at the Hindu religious fair. They also urged the authorities to release the order in this regard by April 3.

Hindu activists have opposed the ritual of reciting the Quran during historical Chennakeshava Rathotsava in Beluru town. The Hindu organisations maintain that the ritual should not be observed as it is against Hindu religion.

This story was originally published in siasat.com. Read the full story here

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