Belthangady: Court sentences SDPI leader Riyaz Farangipete to six months in hate speech case

Belthangady: Court sentences SDPI leader Riyaz Farangipete to six months in hate speech case

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 5, 2026: A court in Belthangady has sentenced SDPI leader Mohammed Riyaz Farangipete to six months’ simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹10,000 for delivering an allegedly provocative speech that promoted religious enmity during a protest meeting held in 2015.

According to the prosecution, the speech was delivered on July 23, 2015, at a protest organised by the Popular Front of India (PFI), Belthangady Zone, in front of the Belthangady Taluk Office.

Following the speech, Belthangady Police registered a case (Crime No. 315/2015) under Sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), alleging that the accused had made inflammatory remarks capable of hurting religious sentiments and promoting communal disharmony.

The investigation was conducted by the then Belthangady Police Sub-Inspector Ravi B.S., who collected evidence and filed a chargesheet before the JMFC Court, Belthangady.

After hearing the case, Judge Ramalingappa held the accused guilty under Section 153A IPC and sentenced him to six months’ simple imprisonment along with a ₹10,000 fine.

Government Prosecutor Ashita represented the prosecution before the court.