HC directs Koppal police not to take coercive action against Yatnal in provocative statement case
Bengaluru: Karnataka High Court on Wednesday issued an interim order directing Koppal Town Police not to take coercive action against Vijayapura legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who is facing charges of making a provocative statement by offering Rs 5 lakh to Hindu youngsters who marry Muslim girls.
Meanwhile Justice MI Arun, who heard the petition, has also asked the MLA to cooperate with the police during the investigation of the case.
On August 10, Yatnal had met the family of Gavisiddappa, a youngster from Bahaddur Bandi Road in Koppal town, who had been allegedly murdered on August 3. Speaking during the visit, the MLA had made the offer, stating that it would be the appropriate response to Muslims who had a penchant for murdering people. He had also accused the state government of belonging to Muslims. Koppal Town Police filed an FIR against Yatnal, based on a complaint by one Abdul Kalam, who accused the legislator of making a provocative statement.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the petitioner’s advocate Venkatesh Dalvayi argued that the law does not prohibit inter-religion marriage and, given that India is a secular nation, the statement cannot be considered criminal merely since some people were not comfortable with it.
The HC bench, which heard the petition filed by Yatnal to quash the FIR, has issued the interim order to the police as well as the petitioner. It has also issued urgent notice to the complainants Qamar Junaid Qureshi, Mainuddin Bilagi and Abdul Kalam before adjourning the hearing.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
