NGO fighting hate speech condemns government notice to IAS officer
Campaign Against Hate Speech, an organisation fighting hate speech, has condemned the state government's decision to issue show-cause notice to IAS Officer Mohammed Mohsin for a tweet from his personal account.
In a statement, the NGO said, "We stand in complete solidarity with IAS Officer Mohammed Mohsin and are deeply appalled by the Karnataka Government’s selective targeting of the senior bureaucrat for expressing discontent about media’s biased treatment of the minority Muslim community. The notice issued by the government cites “adverse coverage” of the tweet in the media as reason for the show-cause notice and asks why this should not be considered as violation of service rules. We fail to see how the tweet questioned government’s policy or action, or embarrasses the state or central government or harms relations between the centre and a foreign country— as mentioned by rule no.7 of All India Services Rules (D&A) Rules, 1969."
"We fail to understand how adverse media coverage is construed as violation of service rules. The state’s drastic and immediate response is in stark contrast to complete inaction against communally provocative, incendiary rhetoric of elected representatives of the ruling party such as Ananth Kumar Hegde, Shobha Karandlaje, CT Ravi, Basangouda Patil Yatnal and even the Chief Minister’s political secretary MP Renukacharya. Their hateful statements are matched by the constant anti-Muslim, anti-migrant rhetoric of few Kannada news outlets which have played an important role in creating hostile and threatening environment for minorities in the state. Campaign Against Hate Speech has filed over 30 complaints with various authorities of the state, including the Chief Minister, the DGP, district and state media monitoring committees. Yet, criminal inaction from the government has allowed for the hate-mongerers mentioned above to continue to tear through the social fabric of our society," it said.
"We demand that Karnataka government withdraw the show cause notice issued to IAS Officer Mohammed Mohsin and refrain from violating his freedom of speech protected under Article 19(1)(a) of Indian Constitution. We further seek that action be initated against those sections of the media that has been promoting and inciting hatred on grounds of religion," the Campaign Against Hate Speech urged.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
