In a concerning incident in Shriram Nagar, Gangavati taluk, Koppala district of Karnataka, more than 20 Muslim youths reportedly attacked a Hindu youth, Sri Kumar Rathod, on April 24th, for chanting the slogan “Jai Shri Ram.” Based on the reports from Hosakannada, the incident, which occurred in the midst of a residential area, has sparked outrage and raised tensions in the locality. Sri Kumar Rathod, who bravely vocalized the revered slogan, was swiftly targeted and subjected to a brutal assault by the assailants.
Rathod, who suffered minor injuries, received medical attention at Gangavati Taluk Hospital. Authorities, responding to the incident, visited the location and scrutinized the CCTV footage. Recounting the events, Rathod stated, “I was inside the bar, having a drink, when my friend Feroz Khan joined me. He requested me to fill his glass with water, and while doing so, I uttered ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ which he objected to.“
SP Yashodha Vantagodi of Koppal stated, “Kumar Rathod has not filed a formal written complaint, and we have reviewed the CCTV footage. While we have not observed any slogans being raised, we are not dismissing the occurrence of the incident. We are conducting a thorough investigation from various perspectives. Appropriate action will be taken once the investigation concludes.”
Based on the reports from Public TV, in his formal complaint, Kumar Rathod recounted, “I was present at the Sunshine Bar when Feroz Khan, a fellow resident of our village, arrived. We occupied the same table, and he requested me to add water to his whiskey glass. As I complied, I uttered ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ prompting him to question my choice of words. I explained that it was Hanuman Jayanti, sparking a disagreement between us.” Continuing his statement, Rathod elaborated, “Upon leaving the bar premises, Feroz Khan and members of his community physically assaulted me and hurled caste-based insults at me.”
In a recent incident happened in Bangalore, three Hindu youths were attacked by Islamists for chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” Crimes against Hindus are not new, but the situation has taken a concerning turn in the past month. Every day, Hindus facing harassment, physical assault, and even murder targeting members of the Hindu community. This alarming trend has heightened fear and anxiety within the Hindu community. The crime rate in Karnataka has escalated significantly, especially due to attacks perpetrated by Islamist assailants.
