Karnataka Pro-Pak Slogan Row: Cops Begin Probe, Record Voices Of Detained People For Forensic Test

Karnataka Police has started investigating the allegations of the ‘Pakistan zindabad’ slogan inside the Vidhana Soudha by supporters of winning Congress candidate Syed Naseer Hussain in the Rajya Sabha elections on Tuesday.

Police have picked up several people from various places across the state and recorded their statements. They have sent the voice recordings for forensic tests to ascertain what happened on Tuesday.

Speaking about the investigation, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the forensic report was yet to come. “As soon as the report comes, we will take strict action. Action has already been taken on seven people.”

The Pro-Pak slogan row had created a political furore in Karnataka on Wednesday, with the opposition BJP demanding the resignation of the Siddaramaiah government Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said serious action would be taken against those who allegedly raised the ‘Pakistan zindabad’ slogan.

The BJP lodged a police complaint on the issue, and staged protests in several parts of the State, including Belagavi, Chitradurga, and Mandya, on Wednesday, condemning the Congress government.

“If the FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) report proves that the slogan raised in favour of Pakistan is true, serious action will be taken in this regard. There is no question of protecting those who raised slogans in favour of Pakistan,” the Chief Minister told reporters.

Opposition BJP staged a protest from the well of the House in the Assembly, demanding the Congress government’s resignation for its “inaction” in nabbing the culprits who shouted the “Pakistan zindabad” slogans, and accused it of trying to shield those behind it, which was met with strong rebuttal from the ruling side.

Not satisfied with the state government’s statement, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said that despite having all the “evidence and videos”, the government is still not ready to accept that the slogans were raised and have not arrested anyone.

“This (Vidhana Soudha) is the heart of seven crore people of Karnataka, the sanctity of this place has been polluted with pro-Pakistan slogans. If we are not able to take action against those who shouted such a slogan it is as good as dead…this government has no right to continue in power even for a moment. I demand this government’s resignation. It is the matter of the country, the Constitution and law and order,” he said.

In the Council, BJP MLC Ravi Kumar said, “This government is anti-Constitution. If Pakistan Zindabad slogans are raised in Vidhana Soudha, it is unfit to govern. It has to be removed.” At this juncture, Congress MLC Abdul Jabbar allegedly addressed Ravi Kumar in singular. Taking strong exception to this, BJP members including Kumar stormed to the well and seemed to be trying to go towards the Congress legislator in an attempt to confront him.

This led to a heated exchange between the ruling and opposition sides. Realizing the situation may go out of control, Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti adjourned the house for some time. But the situation continued as there was a fierce argument between both sides, forcing senior Congress leaders and Ministers to intervene.

(With PTI inputs)