K'taka govt will hold discussions on implementing HC order on Idgah: Bommai
Bengaluru, Aug 26: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said the state government will decide on implementing the court order regarding allowing religious and cultural activities at the Chamrajpet Idgah playground for a limited period from August 31 in "letter and spirit", after holding discussions with the Advocate General.
Hindu organisations have sought permission for holding Ganesh Chaturthi festival at the ground, and with Friday's court order the government is likely to give permission for the same.
"The division bench of the High Court has given an order regarding Chamrajpet survey number 40 (Idgah playground) asking the government to take an appropriate decision, and has analysed how our country is multi-religious. Regarding implementing the court order with letter and spirit, tomorrow the Advocate General, Revenue Minister and I will hold discussions," Bommai said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, everyone's wishes need to be fulfilled while maintaining peace, and the government will do it.
"We will completely study the court order. We will hold a meeting tomorrow on implementing it with letter and spirit, and will decide accordingly," he added.
A Division Bench of the High Court of Karnataka on Friday modified an interim order of a single judge bench on the Chamrajpet Idgah playground dispute, saying religious and cultural activities can be allowed by the government there, but for a limited period from August 31.
The court had, on Thursday, ordered that the two-acre land should be used only as a playground and Muslims should be allowed to pray there on only two festivals -- Bakrid and Ramzan -- till the case was disposed.
Today, the state government approached the Division Bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, with an appeal, and the court said religious and cultural activities can be allowed by the government on the said land.
To a question regarding installing Ganesha idols at Hubballi Idgah maidan, Bommai said an all-party committee of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation is looking into it, and will inform everyone on August 29.
"Chamrajpet Idgah and Hubballi Idgah are two different matters with respect to title issues and cases regarding them were at High Court and Supreme Court respectively...considering all aspects, the government will abide by law and the court orders," he added.
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Two arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting woman at knifepoint in Kochi
Kochi (PTI): Two persons have been arrested after a three-member gang allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at knifepoint near Ernakulam Junction Railway station, officials said on Friday.
The arrested accused were identified as Danish (26), a native of Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district, and Rahul (39), a native of Paravoor in Kollam district.
Police officials said they were searching for the prime accused, Sanjay, a native of Aroor in Alappuzha district.
According to police, the incident occurred on the night of May 5 when the victim was chatting with her friend near a closed hotel near Ernakulam Junction Railway station.
Officials said the accused approached them, attacked the victim’s friend and then allegedly threatened the woman with a knife before sexually assaulting her.
Police said the accused also allegedly disrobed the victim during the attack.
However, the woman managed to escape from the spot and approached a nearby shop for help.
Police were informed immediately and shifted the victim to the police station.
Officials said the accused were heavily drunk at the time of the incident and went into hiding soon after the attack.
Police registered a case on May 6 under charges including rape, disrobing a woman, criminal intimidation and robbery.
The two accused were later arrested in the city, while efforts are continuing to trace Sanjay, police said.
The accused were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
