Man alleges assault for ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogan at bar in Gangavathi

KOPPAL: A man was allegedly assaulted by a group of 20 Muslim men for chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’ at a bar at Sriram Nagar in Gangavathi taluk on Tuesday night. The victim, Kumar Rathod, has been admitted to the taluk hospital for treatment of injuries.

Koppal SP Yashoda Vantagodi said the victim claimed to have been assaulted while having drinks at the bar for raising the ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogan. “Both groups are from the same village and are friends. We have registered a case based on the victim’s statement and are examining CCTV footage. Based on our findings, we will take further action”.

Koppal SP Yashoda Vantagodi briefing the media regarding the incident.

Kumar Rathod said in his complaint, “I was at the Sunshine Bar when Feroz Khan from the same village arrived there. We sat at the same table and he asked me to pour water into his whiskey glass. While doing so, I said ‘Jai Sri Ram’ and he questioned me why I said so. I told him that it was Hanuman Jayanti and this led to an argument”.

Further, Rathod added, “When we got out of the bar, Feroz Khan and his community members assaulted me and abused me in the name of caste”.