Atmananda Saraswati Swamiji booked for hate speech calling for killing of Muslims, Christians
Bengaluru, June 16: The Subramanyapura Police in Bengaluru have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Atmananda Saraswati Swamiji of the Samartha Sridharashrama Trust after a viral video surfaced on social media showing him delivering an hate speech calling for violence against Muslims and Christians.
The FIR has been registered suo motu by the police under sections 196(1) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, on Sunday, June 16.
The controversial video, which first appeared on Saturday, June 15, triggered massive outrage across Karnataka and beyond. In the video, Swamiji can be heard saying, "Only Sanatana Dharma is the true religion in this country. All others are just groups. Muslims and Christians must be eliminated using modern weapons."
ALSO READ: Atmananda Saraswati Swamiji calls for killing of Muslims,Christians in viral video; Triggers outrage
He further added, "There is no wrong in killing thousands if they go against Sanatana Dharma. Our earlier leaders made a mistake by sparing them out of mercy. Now this must stop. Hindus must rise like Shivaji and cleanse the nation of such elements."
The speech was reportedly delivered during a religious gathering at his residence at Flat No. 202, Siriram Paradise Apartment, Purnapragna Nagar, AGS Layout, Uttarahalli, Bengaluru.
Police officials said that the FIR was filed after verifying the authenticity of the video and the gravity of its content. Head Constable Vinay Kumar A.B. (HC-9784) of Subramanyapura Police Station submitted the formal report, citing that the statements made by the Swamiji had the potential to incite violence, disturb public peace, and promote enmity between religious communities.
The FIR clearly states that the speech amounts to promoting hatred, calling for communal violence, and encouraging a targeted attack on minority communities.
The registration of the FIR has come after widespread pressure from the public and digital platforms where the video continues to circulate. Many have called on the government and law enforcement agencies to take stronger action against individuals misusing religious platforms to spread hate and provoke violence.
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Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”
“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”
“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.
“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.
Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”
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