Defamatory statement against Prophet Mohammed: Columnist Santosh Tammayya held
Gonikoppa, Nov 13: Gonikoppa police arrested Columnist Santosh Thayyya of Virajpet in connection with making a defamatory statement against Prophet Mohammed while opposing Tippu Jayanti.
On November 5, a local newspaper had reported that a speech, defaming Prophet Mohammed, was delivered at the 'Unveiling of Tipu's dark faces' programme held at Freedom Fighter's Hall in Gonikoppa by Kodagu Kaveri Prajna Vedike. The next day, a Gonikoppa resident Oscar had lodged a complaint with the Gonikoppa police.
Acting on the complaint, the police had registered an FIR against Columnist Santosh Tammayya, artist Karyappa Kodagu's Bacharneyada Appanna, social activist Robert Rozario of Mangaluru and RSS' Sudhakar Hosalli of Mysuru.
Demanding the arrest of the accused and condemning the defamation of the Prophet, various organizations had protested across the district.
Intensifying their operation, the police arrested Columnist Santosh Tammayya at Madhugiri late on Monday night and brought him to Gonikoppa police station.
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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
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"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
