The Karnataka police went a bit far after arresting three youngsters for celebrating Pakistan’s win over India in the Champions Trophy final.
Around the Suntikoppa police station limit in Kodagu, Zahair, Abdul Samaan and Riyaz allegedly burst crackers near a public junction in celebration of the winning team.
Local residents were appalled by the act and a local BJP member filed a complaint. BJP member, Chengappa filed the complaint at the Suntikoppa police on Monday. The police arrested the three men on the very same day.
An inspector at Suntikoppa police station said, “The accused does not belong to any political party, but they burst crackers and celebrated when Pakistan won the cricket match. Some locals took objection to this and filed a complaint. A case has been registered against the three youth under section 295 (a) of the IPC.”
Section 295(a) relates to “Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.”
BJP president from Kodagu district, B.B. Bharatheesh emphasized that the celebration of Pakistan’s victory on Indian soil is a dangerous trend and the trend needed to be nipped in the bud.
P.M. Latif and a number of other senior leaders of the community insisted on the release of the youngsters after counseling but the request was denied.
