'Go to Pakistan' sparked stabbing in Mangaluru: Police

Provocative slogans urging Muslims to “go to Pakistan” during a victory procession marking the BJP’s return to power in the centre sparked the stabbing attack on two BJP supporters near Mangaluru on Sunday, police said.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Mangaluru police chief Anupam Agarwal said provocative slogans were shouted during the procession near Boliyar. “Some youth shouted provocative slogans at a car stand, which was very hurtful. The essential meaning (of the slogans) was that you (Muslims) are all part of Pakistan and the arrival of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi has made you afraid,” he said.

This was circulated in local WhatsApp groups. When the procession reached the mosque, the BJP supporters started dancing in front of it with increasing fervour and shouting slogans, which agitated the congregants. After the procession ended, three people again went there and shouted slogans, which led to the stabbing attack, Agarwal said.

The people involved in the sloganeering were chased by a group of Muslim youth after the procession ended. “The BJP workers were attacked, with one being stabbed in the stomach and another in the back. Both are currently out of danger,” Agarwal said.

Following the incident, the management of the Boliyar Mosque also filed a complaint, he added.

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Responding to media queries about security arrangements, he said police forces were being deployed to prevent such incidents. “The police did their best to prevent this. The group wanted to continue the procession on the same route in front of the mosque. They were prevented from doing so. However, three persons returned on a bicycle shouting slogans,” he added.

First uploaded on: 12.06.2024 at 17:57 IST

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