Mangaluru: Senior RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat has asserted that the recent attack on a Muslim youth in Kalladka was not a communal incident. “It was a quarrel between two people, the incident should not be given communal colour,” Bhat told reporters here on Sunday.
Bhat, the power centre of the RSS in the state, who usually maintains a distance from the media, called for an emergency press conference where he gave a version of the incident opposite to what the police report had stated. Interestingly, Bhat who is known for his provocative speeches, claimed that the clash between the two individuals (from different communities) was not a communal clash and claimed it was the handiwork of those involved in anti-national activities. He also expressed his anger against district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai for politicising the issue and superintendent of police Bhushan G Borase for not being strong enough to take bold steps.
“On Friday, one Yathin was attacked by a group of about four goondas of the minority community in Kalladka. In retaliation he hit back. One Mithun and his friends who saw Yathin, protected him and took him away. Though Yathin was assaulted by the group, the police have filed a case against Yathin for assaulting four youth. This is being done due to political pressure. With a case filed against him, Yathin has been absconding and is scared to contact the police to give his version,” he said.
“I don’t blame all Muslims and I don’t consider this incident as communal. Some goonda and anti-national elements are behind this,” he added.
“On Saturday when people tried to open shops and ply autorickshaws, some goondas came and forcefully shut the shops. We are against any bandh. Normal life has been unnecessarily affected by this,” he said.
“Kalladka is a place where Hindus are in a minority. We never provoke or start a clash. Hindus have just reacted but never initiated any clash,” he claimed.
“Despite local people and lower level officials knowing that Yathin was assaulted first, the police have not registered any case against those who assaulted him. The district in-charge minister too is interested in appeasing only Muslims. He should remember that even Hindus have voted for him. Police officials are acting as per the directions of the present government. What will they do when our government (of the BJP) comes to power?” he wondered.
He sought the transfer of the SP and appointment of a courageous officer.
