Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Aug 26: Police have arrested three men in connection with the assault of a migrant worker from Bihar who was allegedly targeted for wearing a saffron towel. The incident took place in Kalasipalya on August 25 night.
The arrested have been identified as Tabrez (30), a mechanic from Nagawara; Imran Khan (35), a radium cutter from Banashankari; and Azeej Khan (37), who is involved in the real estate business and lives in Krishnappa Garden, Tilak Nagar.
The victim, Slinder Kumar (26), works as a labourer and hails from Bihar. The complaint was lodged by his manager, Harikrishna. According to the FIR, Kumar was loading goods around 9.30 p.m. when two men confronted him, abused him for wearing a saffron towel, and began pushing him. When Harikrishna intervened, the attackers allegedly assaulted him as well, tearing his shirt and warning him against allowing workers to wear saffron towels. Before leaving, one of the assailants introduced himself as Bablu.
Both Kumar and Harikrishna sustained minor injuries. The accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including charges relating to assault, hurting religious sentiments, and provoking breach of peace.
DCP (West) S Girish said the case was initially registered as a non-cognisable report but later converted into an FIR.
Following the incident, Kumar approached Hindu organisations, which staged a protest at Kalasipalya police station demanding swift action. Hindu activist Tejas Gowda said the assault had created insecurity among migrant workers and urged the police to set up an outpost in the area to ensure their safety.
Police have taken the three accused into custody, and further investigation is underway.