Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady

Beltangady, Aug 4: A court in Beltangady has convicted a man in a “provocative speech” case linked to a protest meeting held in 2015, sentencing him to six months’ simple imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs 10,000.

The case was registered at the Beltangady police station against Mohammed Riyaz Farangipete after an incident on July 23, 2015, during a protest meeting organised by the Popular Front of India (PFI), Beltangady zone, near the Belthangady taluk office.

According to the case details, Riyaz had allegedly delivered a provocative speech during the protest in a manner that hurt religious sentiments. Following this, police registered Crime No. 315/2015 against him under Sections 153(A) and 295(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The investigation was carried out by the then Belthangady police sub-inspector and investigating officer Ravi B S, who collected the necessary evidence and submitted the chargesheet before the court.

During the trial, the court examined the evidence and, after finding the charges against the accused proved, held him guilty.

Delivering the verdict, Judge Ramalingappa sentenced the accused under Section 153(A) of the IPC to six months’ simple imprisonment and directed him to pay a fine of Rs 10,000.

The prosecution was represented by assistant public prosecutor Ashitha, who effectively argued the case before the court.