In a disturbing incident unfolding in Bengaluru, Karnataka, an altercation erupted between a shopkeeper and a group of men allegedly over playing religious music during the Azaan, the Islamic call to prayer.
According to police reports cited by PTI, three individuals, aged between 20 and 25 years, have been apprehended for assaulting the shopkeeper, who had been playing the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu devotional hymn, over a loudspeaker during the Azaan.
Video Proof of the incident:
The blood of a brave warrior definitely doesn’t bow down in front of these criminals! ❤️🔥🚩https://t.co/DOImuI8UPs
— Divya Gandotra Tandon (@divya_gandotra) March 18, 2024
Narrating the incident, the shopkeeper stated, “I was playing the Hanuman bhajan when 4-5 people approached me, insisting it was time for the Azaan and threatening violence if I continued. They proceeded to assault me and even threatened me with a knife.”
The Bengaluru Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, confirming that the altercation transpired over the playing of the Hanuman Chalisa during the Azaan.
“An altercation occurred between a group of individuals and a shopkeeper during the Azaan near Siddanna Layout in Bengaluru. Several Muslim youths confronted the shopkeeper, resulting in a physical altercation. An FIR has been lodged at the Halasuru Gate Police Limit, and efforts are underway to apprehend the accused,” stated the police, as reported by ANI.
The incident, captured on CCTV cameras, depicts a confrontation between the shopkeeper and the group of men, with one individual seen grabbing the shopkeeper’s collar. The situation escalated as they forcibly dragged the shopkeeper out of his establishment and assaulted him.
The FIR has been filed under sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 149 (unlawful assembly), and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code.
Meanwhile, the situation has sparked a political furor, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tejasvi Surya issuing a bandh (strike) call if all the accused are not arrested promptly.
“We demand the immediate arrest of all accused. If this doesn’t happen by tomorrow, a bandh will be observed in Nagarathpete. This is a matter of law and order, of physical safety. There are attempts to downplay the severity of the case,” stated Surya during a press briefing, underscoring the urgency for justice and accountability in the matter.