Srikant Pujari is accused in a riot case in Hubli in December 1992 following the demolition of the Babri Masjid. He and others are alleged to have set fire to a shop belonging to a Muslim man named Malik.
Team Clarion
BENGALURU – Political temperatures in the state have turned high as Karnataka Police arrested Hindutva activist Srikant Pujari for his alleged involvement in a 1992 agitation supporting the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Pujari’s arrest this week has triggered a strong protest from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state. The development comes to light as preparations are in full swing for the January 22 consecration of Ram Temple on the ruins of the historic 15th century Babri Masjid.
The BJP accused the Congress party of orchestrating Pujari’s arrest, claiming it is an attempt to create anti-Hindu sentiments in the state, particularly in light of the Ayodhya event.
BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra condemned the arrest, asserting that it reveals the state government’s intentions in reopening a three-decade-old case just days before the Ram temple consecration. Senior BJP leader D.V. Sadananda Gowda questioned the legality of reviving such cases and its political motives.
“(Chief Minister) Siddaramaiah’s appeasement politics will face legal challenges. We will address the issues legally. These are purely political activities, 100 percent politically motivated.” He further questioned the timing of such actions.
Expressing concern over potential discrimination and misuse of funds, BJP leader C.N. Ashwath Narayan criticised the Karnataka government’s approach, stating, “The government should be accountable and inclusive, without indulging in appeasement politics or fund misuse. People demand nationalist principles and respect for all sections.”
Notably, Srikant Pujari is accused in a riot case in Hubli in December 1992 following the demolition of the Babri Masjid. He and others are alleged to have set fire to a shop belonging to a Muslim man named Malik.
Pujari was arrested in connection with this 31-year-old case. Police have also launched a manhunt for eight other accused. The police claim that these individuals were involved in communal riots between 1992 and 1996.
Responding to BJP’s allegations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said when a person commits heinous crimes and wraps a saffron shawl around his head and shouts that he is a Hindu, BJP leaders rush to his defence.
“This is not only a disgrace to the saffron shawl but also to Hinduism itself. It’s a betrayal of religion. Let the law take its course,” he stressed.
“I am appealing to the BJP leaders in the state. Stop playing petty politics in the name of God and religion, and try to act as a responsible opposition,” he said.