RSS Leader's Call for Armed Vigilance Sparks Outcry Amid Mangaluru Lynching

A senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh figure has ignited controversy by urging Hindus to arm themselves with swords and knives, citing the Pahalgam terror attack as justification. Prabhakar Bhat Kalladka made the remarks during a gathering at the Shrimatha Seva Ashram in Vorkady, a village in Kasaragod district, Kerala, on April 29. His statements came two days after a 38-year-old Muslim man from Kerala, reportedly suffering from mental illness, was lynched by a mob in Mangaluru.

Bhat, a prominent RSS leader from coastal Karnataka, asserted that every Hindu household should possess a sword for self-defense. He further advised women to carry knives in their handbags, emphasizing that a six-inch blade does not require a license. "If Hindus had brandished swords during the Pahalgam attack, the story would have been different," he claimed, referencing the incident in Jammu and Kashmir where 26 individuals were killed.

The speech has drawn criticism from various quarters, with Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf announcing plans to file a police complaint against Bhat for inciting violence. Bhat's influence in the region is well-documented; he has been credited with transforming coastal Karnataka from a Congress stronghold into a bastion for the Bharatiya Janata Party . His sway over local police and administrative bodies has been a subject of political discourse.

The timing of Bhat's remarks has intensified public scrutiny, occurring shortly after the lynching of Mohammad Ashraf near the Bhatra Kallurti Temple in Kudupu, Mangaluru. Ashraf, a native of Wayanad district in Kerala, was allegedly attacked for shouting "Pakistan Zindabad" during a local cricket match. However, his family contends that he was mentally challenged and incapable of such actions.

The Mangaluru City Police have arrested 20 individuals in connection with the lynching, invoking Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita , which pertains to mob lynching. This marks the first instance of the section being applied in the region. The arrested include individuals affiliated with right-wing organizations, and investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the arrests and stated that the case is being taken seriously. He acknowledged that the initial reports suggested the victim had shouted pro-Pakistan slogans but emphasized that further investigation is needed to ascertain the facts. Local leaders and activists have questioned the veracity of the claims against Ashraf, labeling them as attempts to justify the mob violence.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with various political and social organizations demanding accountability. An action council has been formed to ensure justice for Ashraf's family, pledging legal support and public protests to pressure authorities into a thorough investigation. The council aims to uncover the truth behind the lynching and expose any underlying conspiracies.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also addressed the issue, condemning the act of mob lynching and vowing stern action against the perpetrators. He stressed that taking the law into one's own hands is unacceptable and that the government will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt societal peace. District in-charge Minister U T Khader echoed these sentiments, warning against malicious forces seeking to sow communal discord in the region. Open URL