Kasaragod: A treasure hunt attempt at the Arikady fort here, led to the detention of 5 individuals including a panchayat vice-president on Monday, January 27.

According to the Onmanorama report, the accused were attempting to dig a well at the Kumbla Arikady Fort in search of treasure. The fort falls under the control of the Department of Archaeology.

The group was caught in the fort premises around 4 PM as they were allegedly trying to excavate 'treasure' inside the fort illegally. Upon detention, the young individuals involved in the act revealed to the police they pursued the treasure hunt acting on directions of Mogral-Puthur grama panchayat vice-president Mujeeb Kambar. The police recovered tools such as a pickaxe and earthenware used for digging at the site.

The incident came to light when locals, alerted by unusual sounds coming from the fort, decided to check. Upon reaching the location, they discovered the individuals digging the well, two individuals standing outside the well attempted to escape but were intercepted by the locals, who then contacted the Kumbla police.

The Kumbala police revealed that the group had visited the fort a few days earlier, driven by rumors of treasure being unearthed by Kudumbashree workers in Kannur. Acting on these tales, they planned their own search but were caught.

Police have confirmed that all five individuals will be released on station bail.

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Belthangady: Another incident involving individuals allegedly dancing indecently, dressed in a denigrating manner, and insulting the Azan (Islamic call to prayer) has come to light under the jurisdiction of the Venoor Police Station. A case has been lodged against 17 accused persons and 20 to 30 others who were allegedly involved in the act.

Based on a complaint filed by Mohammed Rafiq, a resident of Poyyegudde house in Padangady village, a case has been registered at Venoor police station against Savya residents Vasantha, Rajesh, Harish, Peradi residents Dayanand, Ranganath, Mohan, Shamit, Ravi, Ramesh Kulal, Suresh, Ashoka Kulal, Dhanush Haradottu, Harish Banthottu, Ramesh R.K, Suresh Barottu, Pramod, Prakash Peradi and 20 to 30 other individuals.

A case has been registered under Section 353(2) along with Section 3(5) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 for disrespecting Islam, Prophet Muhammad and the Islamic prayer Azhan by wearing Muslim attire during a 'Purusha Kattuna' event on April 14th.

A video of the incident is reportedly circulating on various social media platforms. In the purported video, a group of individuals can be seen wearing traditional Muslim attire and allegedly insulting the Azan by dancing indecently during a 'Purusha Kattuna' (a ritualistic dance performed by men of different castes, typically marking the end of agricultural activities) event held in Peradi near Venoor.

This incident follows a similar episode reported just days ago during a Purushara Puja ceremony, where Islam was allegedly disrespected. A complaint had already been filed with the Venoor police regarding that incident.

Leaders from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) had also approached the Venoor police and submitted an official complaint, and demanded immediate action against those who are responsible for creating unrest in the society by wearing Muslim attire and hurting religious sentiments.

The Venoor police have now registered a case following widespread outrage over the alleged video denigrating Islam.

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