CPI(M) alleges unconstitutional cow slaughter law awareness drive inside mosques in Dakshina Kannada
Mangaluru: CPI(M) Dakshina Kannada district secretary Muneer Katipalla has lodged a complaint with the Western Range IGP, alleging that police personnel in Dakshina Kannada district have committed an unconstitutional and discriminatory act by visiting mosques under the pretext of conducting awareness programmes on the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act.
The complaint states that police officers from Dharmasthala visited the Kokkada Mosque and, in the name of awareness, warned worshippers of legal consequences. Similar visits reportedly took place in mosques across Sullia taluk, including Sullia Central Juma Masjid, Mogarpane Juma Masjid, Dugaladka Masjid, Sunnamoole, Kumbhakkodu, and Arantodu, where police allegedly stopped people during prayers and explained the provisions of the cattle slaughter law, warning that violators’ houses would be seized.
According to the complaint, this act sends a message that only Muslims violate the Karnataka cow slaughter law and, therefore, amounts to criminalising an entire community. “Just as the British once branded tribal and nomadic groups as ‘criminal tribes,’ are the Dakshina Kannada police now declaring the Muslim community as a ‘criminal community’?” the complaint asks.
The complaint further highlights that in several past cattle theft and illegal transport cases, including those registered in Karkala, Moodbidri, Belthangady, Uppinangady, Puttur, and Byndoor between 2020 and 2021, many accused individuals were non-Muslims. Yet, no similar awareness drives or property-seizure warnings were carried out in temples or other community centers. The selective targeting of mosques, the complaint argues, indicates bias and an attempt to stigmatize one community.
It questions the connection between Dharmasthala Police Station Crime No. 72/2025 and Kokkada Mosque, asserting that the police’s actions were not about awareness but about intimidation and communal targeting.
The complaint points out that Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution guarantee freedom of religion and the autonomy of religious institutions in managing their affairs. Therefore, any interference by state authorities, including the police, within a place of worship, especially on a sensitive issue like cow slaughter, violates the constitutional principle of state neutrality in matters of faith.
It further cites the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, which mandates that police duties must be carried out within the legal framework and under competent authority, not arbitrarily. Conducting an unofficial awareness campaign about a specific law inside a religious place, and implying that it applies only to a particular community, amounts to misuse of power and violation of law, the complaint argues.
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RSS man's defamation case against Rahul: Key witness unavailable, hearing adjourned to Dec 20
Thane (PTI): A court in Bhiwandi in Thane district on Saturday adjourned the hearing in the criminal defamation case filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker to December 20 due to non-availability of a crucial prosecution witness.
Advocate Narayan Iyer, counsel for Rahul Gandhi, confirmed the adjournment, stating that the witness, Ashok Saykar, currently Deputy Superintendent of Police in Barshi in Solapur, could not remain present due to personal reasons.
Saykar's evidence is now likely to be recorded on December 29.
His testimony is considered key because he, as police sub inspector in 2014, conducted the preliminary inquiry into the private defamation matter under Section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
It was on the basis of Saykar's submitted report that the court subsequently issued process (summons) against Rahul Gandhi under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The criminal defamation case was filed by local RSS worker Rajesh Kunte following a speech given by Rahul Gandhi at an election rally near Bhiwandi on March 6, 2014.
The case stems from the Congress leader's alleged statement that "the RSS people killed (Mahatma) Gandhi."
The matter is being heard by Bhiwandi Joint Civil Judge, Junior Division, P M Kolse.
The hearing had previously been adjourned on November 15 after the complainant's counsel, Advocate Prabodh Jaywant, moved an application seeking permission to examine Saykar, who had submitted the probe report to the court.
The matter was originally scheduled for November 29 but was deferred to December 6 after Rahul Gandhi's legal team sought an adjournment citing their non-availability. The proceedings will now resume on December 20.
