Pic: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Jan 1: "Police have arrested innocents on the charges of raising pro-Pakistan slogans during the gram panchayat vote counting process in Ujire on Wednesday," said Ashraf Machar, state secretary of SDPI Karnataka.
Speaking during a press meet here on Friday January 1, Ashraf said, “Police have arrested three SDPI members without any evidence, accusing them of raising pro-Pakistan slogans, by barging into their residence in the midnight. SDPI severely condemns this incident. There is no necessity for SDPI or Muslims to raise slogans in favour of Pakistan. It is the leaders of Sangh Parivar who always spoke about Pakistan.”
He also said that the SDPI members rejoicing the victory were raising pro-party slogans but none raised slogans favouring Pakistan. “But, a few people with communal mindset have doctored the video. In the video, there is no such incident. This is the strategy of a state private channel and Sangh Parivar.
"When questioned about the arrest, Beltangady police inspector claims that they are acting due to the pressure.
The police, under pressure have booked the three innocent SDPI members, he said adding that Beltangady police are discriminating.
"Police should hold a detailed probe into the matter and stringent action against those who doctored the video," he said.
Riyaz Farangipete, national committee member of SDPI said, "The superintendent of police should hold unbiased and detailed probe into the matter and withdraw cases registered against innocents by submitting a 'B' report to the court within three days. If the police department fails to withdraw the case, SDPI will hold a protest march to SP’s office."
He also said that police have failed to book MLA Harish Poonja who delivered a provocative speech after the incident. Police are dancing to the beats of Sangh Parivar leaders. Riyaz Farangipete also stated that the local MLA is so immature.
"If police department officers cannot work sincerely to ensure justice to people, you can quit your jobs. We will also hold a legal fight against the department in the coming days if such an attitude continues,” he said. Riyaz also questioned why the police takes up suo moto case while it comes to Muslims or SDPI but not when Sangh Parivar is involved.
He termed the video as doctored and Sangh Parivar is sowing seeds of hatred in the society. He also said that police are discriminating while it comes to cases related to youth of the community.
Shahul S H, district general secretary, Anwar Saadath, district secretary, and Hyder Nirsal president of SDPI Beltangady unit were present.