Karnataka's Home Minister, Dr. G. Parameshwara, has sought a report from the Belagavi police, demanding clarity on the reasons behind filing a POCSO case against Mahadev Hukkeri, a NWKRTC bus conductor. He has also instructed the police to provide complete details of the assault on the conductor.
Protest Allowed, But Peace Urged
The Home Minister stated that the government has permitted Kannada organizations to hold a protest on Tuesday but warned of strict legal action if any violence occurs during the protest. He also mentioned that bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra have been temporarily suspended in the Belagavi region, considering the prevailing situation. Services will resume once normalcy is restored.
Demands from Kannada Organizations
This controversy has angered Kannada organizations in Karnataka. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) and other Kannada organizations are pressuring the state government to take strict action against the Marathi-speaking assailants. A recent assault on a conductor for speaking Kannada at a bus stop in Balekundri was followed by a POCSO case filed a day after the assault. There are now concerns that this case might be withdrawn, as the complainant's family has reportedly applied for withdrawal.
Minister's Stern Warning
Karnataka's Kannada and Culture Minister, Shivaraj Tangadagi, has warned the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) that if they continue to harass Kannada people in the name of language, action will be taken against them under the Goonda Act. He stated, "If anyone opposes the state's language, the government will not remain silent. We will bring this matter to the attention of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Parameshwara and take b action."
Belagavi has a long history of disputes over language and regional identity. This incident has once again heated up the state's political climate. Pressure is mounting on the administration from pro-Kannada organizations to curb MES activities and take strict action against those opposing Kannada.
