The protesters strongly objected to the celebration of the accused, stating, “The act of honouring those accused of murder is tantamount to endorsing the crime itself.” They urged Karnataka’s Home Minister to take legal action against the individuals involved in organising the felicitation and ensure that those responsible for the murder face swift justice. In their memorandum to the Home Minister, they emphasised the urgency of prosecuting the accused, condemning the glorification of criminals.

The protest also drew parallels to similar incidents, such as the honouring of individuals convicted in the Bilkis Bano case, raising concerns about a growing trend of celebrating those who commit violent acts. 

Kavita Lankesh and others decry glorification of accused:

Kavita Lankesh, sister of Gauri Lankesh, expressed shock and anguish over the recent events, describing the glorification of her sister’s alleged killers as deeply “disturbing.” Speaking to The Quint, she expressed frustration over the delays in the judicial process, which have allowed the accused to secure bail. “Our family has suffered enough, and now we must witness those responsible for Gauri’s death being honored,” she had said. Kavita revealed plans to meet with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to demand the formation of a special or fast-track court to handle her sister’s case.

She added that the investigation into Gauri’s murder had initially progressed under Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure as chief minister, with 100 people assigned to the case. However, delays in prosecution, combined with the recent release of the accused, have left her questioning the effectiveness of the legal system. “If there is no follow-up, what is the purpose of the investigation? The case is being jeopardised, and justice delayed is justice denied,” she stressed.

Reflecting on the slow progress of justice, Kavitha pointed out that while everyone accused in the case has been granted bail, her primary concern is the delay in the legal proceedings. Although she does not oppose the bail as part of the ongoing trial, she firmly believes that the extensive delay is jeopardising the case and allowing the accused to walk free. For her, this protracted legal process is undermining the significance of the investigation.

Determined to expedite the trial, Kavitha Lankesh revealed her plans to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally, urging him to take decisive steps to prevent further delays. She intends to request the establishment of a special or fast-track court to handle Gauri’s case, ensuring that justice is served swiftly and that the accused do not escape due process.

Kavitha Lankesh expressed profound anguish and disbelief over the recent felicitation of her sister’s alleged killers, Parashuram Waghmore and Manohar Edave, by right-wing Hindutva groups in Karnataka. She described the glorification of these individuals as “disturbing and shocking,” not only to her family but also to society at large. She emphasised that honouring her sister’s alleged killers is not just an insult to her family, but also to the legacy of Gauri Lankesh and the progressive values she stood for.

Kavitha also expressed her shock at how Karnataka, a state that has long stood for progressive values and human dignity, is now witnessing the glorification of individuals accused of heinous crimes. She drew parallels between this incident and others across India where rapists and murderers have been similarly honoured, such as those involved in the Bilkis Bano case in Gujarat. For her, the fact that this is happening in Karnataka is particularly distressing and serves as a blot on the state’s reputation.

In her statement, Kavitha Lankesh made it clear that the public celebration of individuals accused of murder is not just a personal affront but a societal danger. She urged the state government, particularly the Home Minister of Karnataka, to take strict legal action against those who organised the felicitation, accusing them of instigating violence and supporting murderers.
 

Protesters denounce broader trend of felicitating criminals

Members of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Coordination Committee and other progressive thinkers also staged a separate protest in Bengaluru on October 18, condemning the public support given to those accused in the murders of both Gauri Lankesh and scholar M M Kalburgi. The protestors also highlighted broader concerns over a growing trend of glorifying criminals, citing instances in states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh where convicted rapists and murderers have been celebrated. Members of ‘Eddelu Karnataka,’ a civil society group, submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka Home Minister condemning the recent events. The group emphasised that such actions tarnish the state’s long-standing reputation for upholding human values and called for legal action against those promoting violence.

In particular, they urged the government to expedite the trial of Gauri Lankesh’s murder and punish the guilty. They condemned the “felicitating of killers” as a blot on Karnataka’s social fabric, asserting that it goes against the state’s ethos of peace and justice. Prominent figures, former minister B T Lalitha Naik, former MLC Mohan Kondajji, activists K S Vimala, K R Subhash, and members of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, were among the protestors.

Shrikant Pangarkar’s controversial political appointment sparks outrage

In a related development, Shrikant Pangarkar, another accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case, joined the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on October 19, 2024. His appointment ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections sparked outrage, with opposition leaders condemning the move as a stain on the state’s governance.

However, on October 20, CM Eknath Shinde had to stay the appointment of Shrikant Pangarkar. This decision came amid criticism from opposition parties slamming Pangarkar’s re-entry into the party. A statement from the Shiv Sena on Sunday clarified that if Pangarkar had been appointed to any party post in the district, the decision has now been stayed.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole sharply criticised the ruling coalition, stating, “The inclusion of Pangarkar, an accused in Gauri Lankesh’s murder, is a disgrace and tarnishes the state’s image.” Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed and NCP MP Supriya Sule also expressed their dismay, with Sule stating, “The government has sanctified a criminal, signaling a breakdown of law and order in Maharashtra.”

गद्दारांना आरोपींची साथ!

पत्रकार गौरी लंकेश यांच्या हत्येमध्ये संशयित असलेले श्रीकांत पांगारकरने विधानसभा निवडणुकीच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर एकनाथ शिंदे यांच्या शिवसेना गटात केलेला प्रवेश म्हणजे ‘उंदराला मांजर साक्ष’ असा प्रकार आहे.

श्रीकांत पांगारकरने तीन संशयित हिंदुत्ववादी…

— Nana Patole (@NANA_PATOLE) October 20, 2024

Shrikant Pangarkar, accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case, has joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which is running the Maharashtra government in alliance with BJP and under PM @narendramodi Ji.

Why do all corrupts, murderers, and rapists seem to find BJP and its…

— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) October 20, 2024

अतिशय धक्कादायक ! गुन्हेगारांना सामाजीक प्रतिष्ठा प्राप्त करुन देण्यात खुद्द मावळते मुख्यमंत्री आणि त्यांचा पक्ष आघाडीवर आहे. या राज्यात कायदा आणि सुव्यवस्थेचे तीन तेरा का वाजले याच्या काही कारणांपैकी हे एक प्रमुख कारण…! प्रख्यात पत्रकार गौरी लंकेश यांच्या मारेकऱ्याला खोके…

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) October 20, 2024

According to India Today, Shrikant was part of the undivided Shiv Sena until 2006. In 2011, after the Shiv Sena reportedly denied him a ticket to contest elections, he joined the Hindu Janajagruti Samit, where he met co-conspirators in Gauri’s murder. Pangarkar had previously been arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in 2018 for possessing arms and explosives. He was linked to a right-wing extremist network responsible for planning attacks on cultural events and individuals deemed enemies of Hindutva ideology. 

According to the chargesheet filed in the Kavitha Lankesh murder case, Shrikant Pangarkar briefed all the accused on the precautions they were to undertake before, during, and after the murder. He also gave them legal training and told them what to do in case they got caught. Bharat Kurane bought Ganesh Miskin and Parashuram Waghmore the clothes they would use for the murder.

Although his appointment to the Shiv Sena was stayed amid public backlash, the episode has further fuelled criticism of the ruling government for allegedly providing a safe haven for extremists and criminals.

This recent sequence of events has intensified calls for greater accountability and justice, not only for Gauri Lankesh but also for all victims of politically motivated violence.

Related:

Murderers or Martyrs? The dangerous glorification of murdered Gauri Lankesh’s accused by Hindutva groups

Murder of Gauri Lankesh a hate crime against humanity, condemn release on bail of 8 accused: ALIFA Open letter

Gauri Lankesh assassination: 6 years down, no closure for family and friends, justice elusive

The Hasdeo Arand crisis: Tribal protesters face brutal state crackdown while standing against felling of trees

The post Protest in Karnataka as activists condemns felicitation of Gauri Lankesh murder accused by right-wing groups appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Some protestors even forcefully entered the principal’s office while the principal was there, compelling  school staff to call for help and police assistance.  The mob eventually dispersed from the school campus after receiving assurances of a a police probe in the school.

St. Mary’s Convent School, located in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, is managed by the nuns of the Congregation of Jesus within the Eastern Rite Syro-Malabar Church.

Sister Sarita Joseph vehemently denied the allegations by the men, clarifying that the school is respectful towards all religions without discrimination based on caste, creed, or faith. “We offer education to all our students equally,” she stated.

However, the incident has not only shaken the school but also raised concerns among Christian leaders in the region. Daniel John, a Catholic leader based in Bhopal declared the incident as an attempt to tarnish the school’s image and the Christian community’s reputation. He asserted that this could be part of a larger strategy to create communal conflict ahead of the upcoming state elections.

Madhya Pradesh, which is governed by the majoritarian BJP, is heading towards elections later this year which is slated to be a tough battle for the ruling party this year.  The incident at St. Mary’s Convent School has further worsened the delicate teetering edge on which communal harmony sways in the political landscape, as Hindutva groups have increasingly targeted Christian institutions, including schools and churches in recent times.

Christian leaders in the region have in the past expressed concern over violence against minorities with fake cases being registered against Church leaders, including bishops, priests, nuns, pastors, and educators, on charges of religious conversion.

For instance, just earlier this month in September a priest, Fr. Anil Francis, who worked as a manager at St. Alphonsa Academy in Garhakota, Madhya Pradesh, was compelled to take his own life. He had been facing legal issues  after the Madhya Pradesh police booked him in August for sharing a post related to Manipur violence in a WhatsApp group. Sources from the diocese claim that the priest had been experiencing considerable stress and pressure due to the FIR filed against him which also alleged that he had made an insult to the national flag. It was reported that the FIR against him was registered by Hindutva groups, according to Maktoob Media.

Related:

Over 500 cases of attacks against Christians in 8 months of 2023

Under Guise of Religious Conversions, Attacks by Hindutva Groups Worsen Situation for Christians in India

Anti-Christian violence: Forcibly preventing prayer, raiding homes in Chhattisgarh, MP

120 Churches destroyed, Christians insecure: Manipur

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Three people were reportedly injured by “ricocheting bullets” when police fired “warning shots” to dissipate a crowd of protesters in the Swedish city of Norrkoping, as protests continued for the fourth straight day against an extreme right-wing group’s plan to burn copies of the Quran. Incidents of violence have so far been reported from Linkoping, Orebro, Norrkoping, Malmo, and even some suburbs of the capital city of Stockholm.

Tension has been rife since the group announced its plans on Thursday. Protests erupted in different cities and the first instances of violence were reported from Linkoping on Sweden’s east coast followed by riots in Orebro city on Friday. According to an Al Jazeera report, while three police officers required hospitalization due to the outbreak of violence in Linkoping, four policemen were injured on Friday in Orebro, apart from one other private individual.

A far-right group called Starm Kurs, that translates into Hard Line, led by Danish-Swedish Rasmas Paludan, announced its intentions of burning copies of the Quran at a demonstration in Linkoping. The group had also received police permission to hold a rally on Friday in Orebro. But police had to disband the rally and withdraw permission after violence broke out when rally participants clashed with those who were protesting the plan to burn the holiest religious text of Muslims. Several vehicles were set on fire, and protesters broke through police cordons.

It is noteworthy that the same Paludan had been arrested and jailed for a month in early 2020 in Denmark because of a similar call to burn copies of the Quran. He had also posted Islamophobic and inflammatory content on his group’s social media platforms. In fact, similar violence had broken out in Malmo in the southern part of Sweden in August 2020 as well. Paludan was deported from France for threatening to burn a copy of the Quran at the Arc de Triomphe on November 11, 2020, and five of his associates were deported from Denmark for similar plans, around the same time.

The international community has condemned the audacity with which the group declared its plans to openly burn copies of the Quran. Taking to Twitter, Saudi Arabian foreign ministry condemned the “deliberate abuse of the Holy Quran, provocations and incitement against Muslims by some extremists in Sweden.”

#Statement | The Kingdom of #Saudi Arabia condemns the deliberate abuse of the Holy Quran by some extremists in #Sweden. pic.twitter.com/uefX0xNzfR

— Foreign Ministry ?? (@KSAmofaEN) April 17, 2022

The foreign ministry of Qatar also issued a statement condemning the “burning of copies of the holy Qurán by extremists in the city of Malmo” and warned that the “populist inflammatory rhetoric is taking a dangerous turn”.

Statement | Qatar Strongly Condemns Burning of Copies of the Holy Qur’an by Extremists in Sweden#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/8xlKx6Lwur

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) April 17, 2022

Of course, Indian right-wing trolls could not sit back and had to jump in with their two-bits. Hateful and Islamophobic tweets were shared with much enthusiasm by such individuals and groups:

#swedenriots #DelhiRiots yes terrorism have religion , pic.twitter.com/7kxXWtctjZ

— Shailesh Tewarie #HinduLivesMatter (@shaileshbrahm) April 17, 2022

Divided by nation United By Ola Hu Uber..!

#swedenriots #जहांगीरपुरी #DelhiRiots #jahagirpuri #HanumanJayanti pic.twitter.com/FHTsx3Mx2L

— The Hermit (@imashutosh007) April 17, 2022

#SwedenRiots ? sorry but India was shouting for this for last few decades when Europe was preaching us Restrain.
All this countries were blaming Modi & Yogi. Now they will understand the nuisance of Radicalism. ??

— Malabika Parasar?? (@MalabikaParasar) April 16, 2022

Delhi to Sweden to Israel…

Same weapon !!

Just desert cult things !! #swedenriots pic.twitter.com/Ys5fzwB6fc

— Kenden Tshering ?? (@kendentshering) April 17, 2022

Related:

Twitter vs Hate Speech battle now in France, court issues strict directions 
Amnesty for Afghans: Can the world walk the talk?
Swiss Vote for Burqa Ban and Its Reaction among Indian Muslims

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Schools run by the Christian community continue to be under attack by the right-wing groups in Madhya Pradesh. On December 6, a mob swearing allegiance to the Bajrang Dal, barged into the St Joseph School in Ganj Basoda town of Vidisha district, around 105 km from Bhopal, the state capital.

The mob pelted stones at the building claiming religious conversion of students by the Christian Missionary institution. The dangerous violence took place while the students of Class 12 were sitting for a mathematics exam, reported NDTV. Luckily the children were not hurt and had a narrow escape along with the school staff. But, the fact that the attack took place even as students were appearing for an examination inside the school, showcases how little the attackers actually cared about the students.

The school was reportedly targeted by the Bajrang Dal, after “allegations on social media that as many as eight students were converted by the administration” stated the news reports. The right-wing mob were easily able to enter the St. Joseph School. They alleged “conversions’ on the basis of a fake news spread by a local Youtube Channel named “Aayudh” reported Matters India. 

Video clips of the attack went viral on social media on Monday, and showed the massive mobs entering the school campus. They then pelted stones, broke windows and damaged a vehicle. 

Hindutva goons attacking on St Joseph’s school in Ganjbasoda, Vidisha Madhya Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/92ewtBsjWa

— Ahmed Khabeer احمد خبیر (@AhmedKhabeer_) December 6, 2021

According to news reports, local police were seen trying to disperse the crowd. Recounting the panic as the mob threw stones at the glass windows, a student told the media, “Our concentration was broken, we want the exam to be held again”. 

Brother Antony Pynumkal, principal of St Joseph’s School told the media that the allegation of conversion was “fake and baseless.” Belonging to the Malabar Missionary order, Pynumkal said they “received a memorandum on November 30 from some local Hindu groups from Ahirwar, Dangi and Rajput Communities alleging conversion of students”. Pynumkal said that none of the names mentioned in the complaint matches any of the students. He reportedly had also alerted the police and the state administration. However the mobs still managed to collect and attack the school.

The Diocese of Sagar’s PRO Fr. Sabu Puthenpurackal issued a media statement on Monday evening, saying 500 people attacked the Catholic school, and even after the management had informed the police “only two of them were deployed in the school premise when the mob came.”

“They could not do anything,” added Brother Pynumkal. The management had also informed the local police about the right wing’s “memorandum” as well as the ongoing board exams in the school. 

According to reports, the St. Joseph Church Ganj Basoda had organised a Holy Communion celebration for the Catholic children of the Parish on October 31. A customary group photo of the Catholic children along with the Bishop and the Parish Priest was published in the Diocesan Monthly e-Newsletter “Sagar Voice” on November 5. This photo was misinterpreted as “conversion of Hindu children” by the Youtube channel Aayudh and that is what fuelled the communal attack on the Christian run school. However, the Catholic children who were in the photo are not students and the parish is some two kilometers away from the school, Pynumkal told the media, adding that the school has around 1,500 students and “less than one percent of them are Christians.”

Last month, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) team, led by its chairman Priyank Kanoongo, conducted a surprise inspection on November 8 at a girls’ hostel at Kheri village in Raisen district, located around 50 kms northeast of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh citing allegations of religious conversion. After the inspection the Commission has reportedly demanded a report within 10 days.  The home is run by Catholic nuns, and the NCPCR chief alleged that “religious conversions are suspected” there.  

Related:

Hate Watch: Dalit worker’s hand chopped for seeking wages in MP
Madhya Pradesh: NCPCR ‘inspects’ girls hostel run by nuns, alleges conversion
MP: Four babies killed in fire at government run hospital 

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Decades after the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya on December 6, the day has always been one of high security protocol in Uttar Pradesh. However this year, one of the thickest security blankets envelops Mathura, as right-wing groups announced plans to perform Hindu rituals at Shahi Idgah mosque and install Hindu deity Krishna’s idol on December 6.

Mathura in western UP is revered as the birthplace of Hindu deity Krishna. It is also home to the Shahi Idgah, which is next to the Krishna janmabhoomi (the place where the deity is believed to have been born). 

According to reports the city is “resembling a fortress”, especially in the areas around the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple. Right-wing groups have been threatening to install an idol of Lord Krishna in the adjacent Shahi Idgah mosque on December 6.

According to ADG L&O UP Prashant Kumar the Police arrangements are statewide, “Parampara se hatkar koi bhi karyakram nahi karne diya jayega (no programmes apart from those done ‘as per tradition’ will be allowed)”. Security forces have been put on high alert to maintain peace, he informed the media.

ADG L&O UP Sri Prashant Kumar speaks about the statewide Police arrangements for the 6th December.
All field formations have been put on high alert to maintain absolute peace in the state & no diversion from established tradition shall be permitted. pic.twitter.com/S0vbfxX11n

— UP POLICE (@Uppolice) December 5, 2021

On December 6, reported India Today, after the right-wing groups announced their intentions, some Muslim groups have responded that they will “observe the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary to raise their concern.” A three-tiered security ring has been reportedly thrown around the Katra Keshav Dev area, where the temple and Shahi Idgah mosque are situated.

The security arrangements this year are being reported as  “unprecedented”. Usually the focus on this day had always been on Ayodhya, but Mathura has now found itself as the focus area of right-wing groups which are on overdrive, even as the state prepares for the Assembly elections next year.

According to news reports, every road connecting the town to the national and state highways has police barricades and India Today reported that “even the narrow gauge railway track that runs behind the temple-mosque complexes has been shut down.” 

Protest march or gathering in the city will also not be allowed as Section 144 has been imposed. No traffic will be allowed on roads leading to Sri Krishna Janambhoomi and adjoining Shahi Eidgah till Tuesday. Mathura Police has posted December 6 specific traffic guidelines for the city:

दिनांक 06 दिसम्बर, 2021 को मथुरा शहर की यातायात व्यवस्था निम्न प्रकार से रहेगी। pic.twitter.com/TEXiXXRrYT

— MATHURA POLICE (@mathurapolice) December 5, 2021

According to news reports the arrangements will remain in place even though some organisations and individuals have reportedly “called off their plans for the day”.

The Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) had called for a ‘jalabhishek’ anointing of a deity or holy spot, at the area they claim is the birthplace of Krishna, in Shahi Eidgah. However, they reportedly withdrew the call, and the police remained on alert with 2,000 police personnel, besides Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), stationed at the site for Monday. Police forces have been called from nearby districts as well, stated news reports adding that Mathura police had also conducted an anti-riot drill at Police Lines to assess its preparedness under SSP Mathura Dr Gaurav Grover and district magistrate Navneet Chahal.

“Section 144 of criminal procedure code is in force, and anybody violating prohibitory orders will be dealt with strictly. Police is fully geared to maintain peace and tranquillity and to instil fear amongst those having nefarious designs,” SSP Mathura told the media adding, “Denizens of Mathura are being asked to co-operate in security arrangements by not becoming part of any unlawful gathering or protest march and staying away from nuisance makers interested in spreading rumours. Vigil is being kept on social media, and the police cyber cell is all prepared to punish those interested in damaging peace and tranquillity in the city.” Police are also on alert in adjoining district Agra. 

Recently Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya had publicly announced that “preparations were underway for the construction of a grand temple in Mathura” along the lines of what was being done in Ayodhya and Varanasi. He said, “A grand temple is being constructed in Ayodhya and Kashi, preparations are on for Mathura next.” It is now his pinned tweet.

अयोध्या काशी भव्य मंदिर निर्माण जारी है
मथुरा की तैयारी है #जय_श्रीराम #जय_शिव_शम्भू #जय_श्री_राधे_कृष्ण

— Keshav Prasad Maurya (@kpmaurya1) December 1, 2021

Related:

Hate Watch: UP Dy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya continues spewing anti-Muslim venom
Uttar Pradesh: Kairana back in the spotlight in the run up to Assembly Elections
Hate Watch: UP Dy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya adding fuel to the communal embers?
Krishna Janmabhoomi: Application before DM to stop namaaz at Shahi Idgah
Will install Krishna idol in Mathura mosque on December 6: Hindu Mahasabha
Are Kashi-Mathura mosques in the crosshairs of hardliners again? 

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