If want to stay in Karnataka then say “No Jai Shri Ram, only Allah Hu Akbar.” [Bengaluru, Karnataka]

(Reported as seen)

In a disturbing incident that unfolded on April 17, 2024, in Bengaluru’s Chikkabettahalli area, three Hindu youths named Binayak, D Pavan Kumar, and Rahul faced harassment and physical assault by Islamist assailants while traveling in their car adorned with a Bhagwa (saffron) flag and chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” The encounter took a violent turn when two Islamist youths on bikes intercepted their vehicle, demanding they stop chanting and instead chant “Allah Hu Akbar.”

Despite the Hindu youths’ refusal, the Islamists escalated the confrontation, initiating a physical altercation. The situation worsened as the attackers returned with reinforcements, assaulting the Hindu youths with sticks, resulting in severe injuries. Shockingly, the attackers forced the Hindu youths to chant “Allah Hu Akbar” against their will, highlighting the religious intolerance and coercion they faced.

The assailants, identified as Samir and Farman, have had FIRs registered against them, yet concerns arise over the religious bias in the handling of the case by authorities. Despite being the victims of assault and coercion, the Hindu youths found themselves facing legal repercussions, with cases filed against them for allegedly assaulting the Islamists.

The biased handling of the case by the police has sparked outrage among Hindu activists and organizations, who have staged protests demanding justice and fair treatment for the victims. Criticism has been directed at the Congress-led state government for allegedly displaying religious bias and failing to take decisive action against the Islamist extremists responsible for the attack.

Amidst mounting pressure, police authorities have assured the gathering of additional evidence before proceeding further. Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including Shobha Karandlaje, have condemned the incident and visited the affected individuals, highlighting the need for swift and impartial justice.

This incident underscores the concerning trend of religious intolerance and violence targeting Hindu youths in Karnataka. As the state braces for elections, the government faces scrutiny over its handling of religiously motivated crimes and its perceived bias in favor of certain religious communities.

The demand for justice and accountability remains paramount as Hindu organizations and activists continue to advocate for the protection of Hindu rights and freedoms in the face of growing religious extremism and discrimination.