Outrage against Rajasthan beheading in several parts of Karnataka, rallies held

BENGALURU: Anger against the brutal beheading of tailor Kanhaiya Lal Teni by two Muslim men with alleged links to a terror outfit in Pakistan spilled on to the streets in several parts of Karnataka on Thursday.

In Bidar, activists of Hindu groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishat, Bajrang Dal and Sri Rama Sene took out a protest march and formed a human chain at Ambedkar Circle in the town. In Belagavi too, over 200 activists formed a human chain at Chennamma Circle and raised slogans.

Hindu activists in Ballari demanded that the accused should be hanged to death and burnt an effigy of the killers. They also condemned the failure of the Rajasthan government. In Dharwad, activists took out a rally with placards declaring “I am Kanhaiya”. The Anjuman-e-Islam in Dharward submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner condemning the beheading. No one should kill in the name of religion and the accused should be punished within three months, the letter said.

Activists of the Hindu Rakshak Shivaji Brigade in Kalaburagi burnt a photograph of the two accused and demanded that they be hanged. In Yadgir, effigies of the two accused were hanged symbolically and tyres burnt.

A unique campaign was started in Nanjangud and T Narsipur in Mysuru district and in Mandya where vendors have displayed placards stating, ‘I am poor, don’t slit my throat. I will not speak the truth and won’t stand with those who speak the truth’.

In the other southern districts, vendors and shopkeepers voluntarily closed their businesses when activists took out a march near Hemavathi statue to the DC’s office. They also raised slogans in favour of former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. In Kolar, a road blockade was organised at Bangarpet Circle.

Braving the rain, activists took out processions in Madikeri and Udupi, affecting movement of traffic. A protest rally was organised in Shivamogga also. In Ramanagara, Hindu groups demanded the closure of madrasas and teachings of Islam be banned.

Meanwhile, the police in Bengaluru have been directed to be on high alert to prevent any untoward incident.