HC judge to examine video details of Bantwal violence

HC judge to examine video details of Bantwal violence

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, August 13, 2017: The High Court of Karnataka has asked the public prosecutor to exhibit the video that has been recorded by the police during the funeral procession of a RSS worker, who was murdered in Bantwal of Dakshina Kannada district recently.

Hearing the petitions filed by the suspects in the communal conflict in Bantwal taluk, Justice Aravind Kumar said that he would like to look at the video footage recorded by the police about how the suspects in the communal riots had created problems during the funeral procession of RSS worker Sharath Kumar Madiwala.

The judge said that he will decide on granting a stay on the FIR filed against them after watching the footage.

The suspect Sathyajeeth Surathakal, Harish Poonja, Murali Krishna Hasanthadka, Sharan Pumpwell and Pradeep Kumar have sought directions to quash the FIR filed against them for creating trouble during the funeral procession, despite prohibitory orders being in force.

The Bantwal police in their objections said that all the suspects in the case have a history of creating riots and instigating and targeting persons from a particular community.

Special Public Prosecutor Sandesh Chouta and Public Prosecutor S Rachaiah have said in their statement of objection that the suspects are anti-social elements belonging to Bajrang Dal.

They have many cases pending against them in courts and, at this juncture if the FIR is stayed, it will hamper the investigation.

The court adjourned the hearing until August 16.