BJP Leader K.S Eshwarappa stirs controversy amid Shivamogga tension
Shivamogga: The atmosphere in Shivamogga remains tense after recent violent incidents, and amidst this tension, former Minister and Senior BJP leader K.S Eshwarappa sparked controversy during a press conference earlier today. Eshwarappa made provocative statements, stating that "Hindus also can respond to the swords by picking up swords."
Addressing the press at the district BJP office, Eshwarappa accused the Congress government of acting like "slaves of Muslims" and claimed that the recent violence in the district was well-planned. He questioned the government's inaction despite the visible display of swords during processions, warning the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and the Muslim community.
"The ruckus in Shivamogga was organized and planned. They carry talwars (swords) in their hands during processions. Whom are they trying to warn, the Hindus? The Police are fearing the government. Hindus also know to respond using swords to swords," Eshwarappa stated, criticizing the government's handling of the situation.
He further alleged a bias in the police's response, claiming stones were only thrown at Hindu houses, not Muslim ones. Eshwarappa accused the police of allowing processions to continue beyond the permitted time and demanded accountability from the government.
"If the Hindus in Shivamogga decide to take a stand, will the Muslim community continue to exist there? Does the Congress government and police department exist solely for the protection of Muslims? Shouldn't they also provide protection to Hindus?" he questioned, calling for the resignation of the Minister of Home Affairs.
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NIA court to complete framing of charges against 2010 hand-chopping case accused on May 15
Kochi (PTI): A special court here will complete proceedings for framing charges against the prime accused in the 2010 hand-chopping case involving professor T J Joseph, in which PFI activists were accused of attacking him at Muvattupuzha.
Ernakulam Special Court for NIA cases judge P K Mohandas, on April 30, heard the arguments of counsel for accused Savad and Shafeer C and decided to proceed with framing charges against the duo.
A group chopped off Thodupuzha Newman College professor Joseph's right hand in July 2010, accusing him of religious blasphemy in a question paper he had prepared.
The case, later taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), resulted in the conviction of 19 accused.
The first accused, Savad, who allegedly chopped off Joseph’s palm, was arrested in Berram in Mattannur, Kannur, in January 2024, where he had allegedly been hiding under the pseudonym Shajahan.
The NIA also arrested Shafeer, who allegedly arranged shelter and provided logistical support to Savad at Chakkad and Mattannur in Kannur since 2020.
On April 30, the court heard the counsel for the accused and the NIA prosecutor on framing charges against the duo.
"On going through the documents and evidence in the case and on hearing the counsel for the accused and the prosecutor, I am of the opinion that there are grounds for presuming that the first accused has committed offences punishable under provisions of the IPC, the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and that the second accused has committed offences punishable under the IPC and the UAPA, and there are materials for framing charges under these provisions against the accused," the court said.
The court directed that Savad be produced and Shafeer, who is on bail, appear before it on May 15 for recording their pleas as part of the charge-framing process.
After framing the charges, the court will schedule the trial in the case.
