Synopsis
Tensions escalated in Belagavi after an RTC bus conductor was assaulted for requesting passengers to speak Kannada. Protests ensued, calling for police action against the assailants. The incident has ignited discussions on language rights in Karnataka.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka residents should learn Kannada.
- The attack on bus conductor Mahadevappa Hukkeri was linked to language disputes.
- Protests erupted following the incident, blocking key roads.
- Police are investigating both the assault and POCSO allegations.
- Security has been heightened in response to the situation.
Bengaluru, Feb 22 (NationPress) Tension emerged in the border district of Belagavi on Saturday after an RTC bus conductor was attacked by a group for requesting them to communicate in Kannada.
Protests erupted from Kannada organizations, leading to a blockade on the Belagavi-Bagalkot road, as they demanded police action against the assailants.
The incident occurred on Friday in Belagavi district.
Police intervened to disperse Kannada activists, including women, who were protesting, and took them to an undisclosed location.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy expressed his views in Bengaluru on Saturday, asserting that residents of Karnataka should learn Kannada. He noted that while individuals may converse in their native Marathi, it is essential to speak Kannada while in Karnataka.
“All political parties must denounce such occurrences,” he remarked.
The attack took place near the Balekundri area on an RTC bus traveling from CBT to Sulebhavi. The conductor, Mahadevappa Hukkeri, confronted a boy traveling with a free ticket designated for women. During their exchange, the boy replied in Marathi, which prompted the conductor to insist he speak in Kannada.
Subsequently, the girl accompanying the boy and a group of others assaulted the conductor, demanding he learn Marathi.
Previously, the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) had been involved in significant violence over language disputes. They succeeded in elections and even obstructed the hoisting of the Kannada flag at the Belagavi City Corporation. However, Minister Reddy commented on the changing circumstances.
The situation escalated when the minor girl involved in the alleged assault filed a POCSO case against the conductor, claiming misbehavior. The Marihala police have initiated an investigation.
Belagavi Police Commissioner Lada Martin stated that both complaints and counter-complaints have been lodged concerning the bus conductor attack.
“The minor girl has submitted a POCSO case, and the police are actively investigating the situation. We aim to uncover the truth,” he indicated.
Minister for PWD and Belagavi district incharge, Satish Jarkiholi, mentioned he would respond after reviewing the police investigation report.
Bus conductor Mahadevappa Hukkeri responded to the POCSO allegations, questioning the timing of the complaint.
“If I had indeed misbehaved with the girl, a complaint should have been filed immediately. Why the delay until after I reported the assault? I have an 18-year service history and have never misbehaved,” he asserted.
T.A. Narayana Gowda, state President of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, stated, “Marathi youths have violently attacked a bus conductor named Mahadevappa solely for speaking in Kannada and not in Marathi. This is entirely unacceptable. The Belagavi police must apprehend everyone involved in this attack on Mahadev and ensure they face justice. Failure to act will have severe consequences.”
“Kannadigas are known for their peace-loving nature. However, that does not imply we will endure unprovoked assaults by language extremists. After unsuccessful attempts to seize Belagavi, these desperate individuals are resorting to cowardly attacks on Kannadigas. If the police do not enforce stringent measures against them, the ire of Kannadigas will surface. These hooligans must be detained immediately to avert further conflict,” he demanded.
“We wish Mahadevappa a swift recovery. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike stands firmly by his side. Our Belagavi district president, Deepak Gudaganatti, along with other officials, has already met Mahadevappa to offer support and consolation. KSRTC drivers and conductors should not be disheartened by this incident, nor should they fear such cowards,” Gowda expressed.
“Anyone residing in Karnataka must learn Kannada and assimilate as Kannadigas. Should anyone attempt to impose their language and resort to violence, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike will administer a fitting lesson. This is my unequivocal warning,” he cautioned.
Given the sensitivity of the situation and previous violent incidents regarding the language dispute in the area, the Karnataka police have intensified security in vulnerable regions.
