Ingali Incident Confirmed Not Communal Conflict

BELAGAVI

District Superintendent of Police Dr. Bhimashankar Guleda has clarified that the recent incident in Ingali, Hukkeri taluk, involving the tying and assault of five Sri Rama Sena activists, is not a communal conflict. Four accused individuals—one Hindu and three Muslims—have been arrested in connection with the case.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Guleda described the incident as unfortunate and stated that since no complaints were initially filed, the police took suo motu cognizance and registered a case at Yamakanamaradi police station. Additionally, a complaint has been lodged against five Sri Rama Sena activists for allegedly breaking into a house and causing a disturbance.

The incident traces back to June 26, when Sri Rama Sena activists stopped a vehicle carrying five cows and took it to the police station. The owner, Babusaab Multani, presented documents proving he purchased the cows at a fair for breeding purposes.

On June 28, while Babusaab was releasing the cows at the cowshed, Sri Rama Sena activists followed him and later went to his home. As only women were present, the activists allegedly barged in and created chaos. When the women screamed, villagers rushed in, tied the activists to a coconut tree in the village center, and assaulted them.

The police became aware of the incident on Sunday. Despite efforts to resolve the matter peacefully by summoning both groups to the police station, no complaints were filed initially. However, after a video of the assault surfaced and activists could not be contacted, the police filed a spontaneous case.

Dr. Guleda emphasized that both Hindus and Muslims were involved in the video of the incident, further dispelling notions of communal conflict in this unfortunate episode.