HAVERI: The Savanur police in Haveri district arrested a man on sedition charges after he celebrated Pakistan’s victory over India in Sunday’s ICC Champions Trophy final.
Shabbir Ahmed (35) is also accused of raising pro-Pakistan slogans during his celebrations.
The celebrations created tension at Savanur town, which has a large Muslim population. People who were present at the spot where the man shouted slogans tried to attack him. However, the police intervened and took him to the police station.
The drama unfolded after India was defeated by Pakistan and Ahmed started bursting crackers. This angered many residents, including some Muslims who gathered at the circle near Fish Market in Savanur.
Acting on a complaint lodged at Savanur police station, police registered an FIR against the man under IPC 124 A (sedition), 153 A, (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and race) and 34 (acts done by several people in furtherance of common intention).
The accused was produced before the JMFC court in Savanur and was remanded in judicial custody at Haveri. The complainant, Ramesh Mudgal, who is the vice present of BJP’s Yuva Morcha in Savanur, said police could have averted the incident if they had acted on his complaint immediately.
Bagalkot tense after Pak victory
Hipparagi in Jamakhandi taluk of Bagalkot saw similar celebrations post Pakistan’s victory in Champions Trophy. On Monday, several organisations protested against the people who burst crackers. However, no complaint has been registered. Police said it’s difficult to identify the accused as the crackers were let off from a terrace.