‘If Found Cops Disrespected Quran was True, Take Stern Action’ – MLA JR Lobo
Mangaluru: Even after Superintendent of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy on Sunday addressing the media had said that action will be taken against those who reportedly made an attempt to plant a Holy book at a place of search and circulate images to show the police in poor light. “The police have not shown any disregard or disrespect to religious books during the search operation. When a religious book was among the articles picked during the search, the investigation officer rightfully handed it to an elderly relative of Kalandar, who took it inside the house. All these allegations made by the family of Kalandar, and published in the media are not true.
The police have evidence that the religious book was planted among the books strewn in the house and pictures of it was circulated with an intention to create communal tension. The whole search by the police had been video-graphed. Regarding photographs of the spot purportedly showing Quran on the floor, we have evidence to prove that it was planted by mischief mongers to spark unnecessary tension, and strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty of the act.” had said the SP.
But not convinced with the SP’s statement MLA J R Lobo went further by holding a press meet at Mangalore Press Club today, and briefing the media persons said, ” At the moment I am not putting a blame on the police directly. But after proper investigations, if found that the allegations made against the police are true, of the incident of Quran being thrown on the floor, and Madrasa books being torn, then stern action should be taken against them. No one should play games when it comes to religious matter-not just police, even politicians, and other citizens should not mess with religion. When handling sensitive cases like this one, police should be extra careful as to how to handle the case systematically.”
“My purpose of having this press meet is not to support Kalandar’s Family nor any party nor the police. Since it was alleged that police had disrespected the Quran, I wanted to stress that higher authorities in the law enforcement department should sleuth into this issue very seriously and find out who the culprit is- and if found guilty that cop or cops should be punished according to the law. No one should hurt the sentiments of any religion for that matter. I am forwarding a memorandum today itself to IGP-Western Range Hemanth Nimbalkar urging him to take quick action and thoroughly investigate into this very sensitive issue. Let us live in harmony and peace, and try not to create disharmony and tension in the community through such incidents. we are educated and peace loving citizens- why step into all this kind of unwanted issues. Frankly speaking, Congress party endorses secularism, and respects everyone irrespective of caste or creed. Hope something positive results will come out soon in this case” added Lobo.
Recalling the incident, it is learnt that a team of Bantwal police on Saturday searched the house of Kalandar, who is an accused in the murder of RSS activist SharathMadiwala. Kalandar is said to be among the three persons who assaulted Sharath Madiwala at his laundry in B.C. Road on July 4 that led to his death. Kalandar is reportedly at large. The police have so far arrested 10 persons, including one of the three persons who is said to have assaulted Sharath Madiwala. The police first searched the house of Kalandar’s wife and then the house of Kalandar’s parents in a village in Bantwal. Many incriminating documents and articles related to the crime were recovered from the two houses. The search was done after serving the family members search warrants.
In the evening, a few photographs were circulated on WhatsApp showing a Holy Book among those strewn in the house of Kalandar’s parents and accusing the police of hurting religious sentiments. The police were accused of showing disrespect to Quran and tearing Madrasa books while conducting a search in a house. The family members of Kalandar, a resident of Sajipamunnur, had alleged that the police raided their house and while conducting search, ‘threw Quran on the floor’ and ‘tore Madrasa books’. Kalandar, reportedly accused of accepting Rs one crore in connection to the murder case, is said to be absconding. However, the police have denied the allegations and clarified that no religious books were touched during the search.
D M Aslam – District Congress Committee member, Corporator Lancelot Pinto, Abubakker – ex-Corporator, and Mohan Shetty- Congress leader were present during the press meet.
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I write this in pain as a person who initially supported Mr.Lobo – I thought he was a honest man. But he has turned out to be one of the biggest disappointments. Over the years, he has shown his true colors. His complete failure to stay above religion-based politics and reluctance to participate in good social programs (example: Swachcha mangaluru) have totally exposed his darker side.
Here is a situation where Police were raiding a murder suspect’s house and Mr.Lobo is worried about a religious book and how it was handled? Seriously? What kind of elected rep is this guy? Does he want Sharia laws of blasphemy in India?
Mark my words- this is not going to end well. The out-of-control minority appeasement will only result in more right-wing elements in Hindu society. Religious bigots from both minority and hindu community are a big threat to true secular society. It’s extremely disappointing to see both politics and media filled with cowards who are not willing to speak the truth.
These congi politicians are changing their colors as and when it suits them to safeguard their vote bank. They are ready to stoop to any low to appease their vote bank – last moment protest in naming the road- for example. This will definitely make the majority community feel being marginalised and hunted. It will not be a surprise if the majority community resorts to rataliatory action if partisan attitude of these politicians keeps on popping up.