Temple board expresses regret after MLA Harish Poonja's hate speech at Brahmakalashotsava in Tekkaru
Belthangady: The administrative board of Sri Gopalakrishna Temple in Tekkaru has issued a letter of regret to local Muslim leaders following widespread outrage over a hate speech delivered by Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja during the temple’s Brahmakalashotsava ceremony.
In a meeting convened between Hindu and Muslim community leaders, the temple board expressed deep regret over the derogatory remarks made by the MLA. The president of the Devara Gudde Seva Trust, Sri Gopalakrishna Bhatrabailu, wrote a letter addressed to the Saralikatte Muslim Okkoota, stating that the board welcomes continued cooperation from the Muslim community and hopes for the restoration of communal harmony in the village.
The incident occurred on the night of May 3 during the Brahmakalashotsava celebrations, where MLA Harish Poonja allegedly made inflammatory comments targeting the local Muslim community. He accused members of the community of vandalising temple lights and stealing diesel, remarks which were captured on video and widely circulated on social media. The speech has been condemned by various quarters for being communal and inciting hatred. An FIR has also been registered at Uppinangady Police Station in connection with the incident.
Muslim representatives had earlier submitted a letter to the temple board seeking clarification on the MLA's speech. In response, a joint meeting was held, during which the board acknowledged the community’s contributions and extended an apology.
It was brought to the notice of the board that the Muslim residents of Tekkaru had actively supported the temple festival in various ways. Munir donated a tree for use in the event, Abbas provided land for building the stage, and vehicle parking was arranged on land owned by the children of T.H. Ustad. Additionally, Muslim families offered their properties for water supply and food distribution, and even contributed financially. Local Muslims had also displayed banners wishing success for the event.
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Belagavi youth’s murder case projected as road accident, cracked in Uttara Kannada; Three arrested
Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.
Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.
The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.
However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.
Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.
The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.
Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.
SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.
