BENGALURU/KOPPAL: On the night of Tuesday, a disturbing incident unfolded at a bar in Sriram Nagar, Gangavathi taluk, where a man was allegedly assaulted by a group of 20 Muslim men for chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’. The victim, now identified as Kumar Rathod, has been hospitalized at the taluk hospital to receive treatment for his injuries.
According to Koppal SP Yashoda Vantagodi, the victim reported that he was attacked while enjoying drinks at the bar simply for raising the ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogan. “Both groups involved in this incident are from the same village and are known to be friends,” stated Vantagodi. “We have initiated an investigation based on the victim’s statement and are currently reviewing CCTV footage. Once we have gathered all the necessary evidence, we will proceed with appropriate actions.”
In his official complaint, Kumar Rathod recounted the events leading up to the assault. “I was at the Sunshine Bar when Feroz Khan, a fellow villager, joined me at my table. He requested that I pour water into his whiskey glass. As I did so, I uttered ‘Jai Sri Ram’, which seemed to provoke him. When questioned about my chant, I explained that it was in honor of Hanuman Jayanti, sparking a heated argument between us.”
Rathod continued, “Upon exiting the bar, Feroz Khan and his associates launched a brutal attack on me, hurling caste-based insults and causing physical harm.”
The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the community, prompting authorities to take swift action in addressing the matter.
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