We will not let Godhra-like incidents happen in Karnataka: Dr G Parameshwara

Bengaluru, Jan 4 (IANS): Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara stated on Thursday in Bengaluru that the Congress Government would not let incidents like the Godhra carnage take place in the state.

Commenting on the controversial statement by Congress MLC, CBK Hariprasad that a Godhra-like incident was being planned in Karnataka and the government should ensure safety and security of those travelling to Ayodhya, Parameshwara stated, “The Home Ministry does not have any information in this regard. If any information is received, the department is capable of handling the situation.”

“If the need arises, let us call Hariprasad and ask him about the statement. Our department knows how to handle the situation. Hariprasad is a senior leader. If he is making a statement, he should have information in this regard,” Parameshwara added.

The Home Minister also announced that no notice would be issued to Hariprasad over his statement.

“There is no necessity to issue a notice to him for questioning. If notices are given to all those who make statements, where will it end?” he questioned.

“Since it is a sensitive matter, we will see it through. Our intelligence sources will look into it and if they gather information in this regard, action will be initiated,” he stated.

The Karnataka BJP has demanded the arrest of Hariprasad for his remarks.

Speaking to the media here, Hariprasad said on Wednesday as per information available to him from various states, a Godhra-like incident could take place in Karnataka.

"There should be high vigil in Karnataka state. The Godhra incident took place in Gujarat in similar circumstances. Attempts are being made to orchestrate a similar incident here so security must be tightened. We don’t wish to see a development similar to Godhra here. This is my personal statement and there is no connection with the Congress party in this regard,” he maintained.

'Will not suspend cop who arrested Kar Sevak'

Dr G. Parameshwara said on Thursday that he will not suspend the police inspector "at any cost" who arrested Kar Sevak Srikanth Poojari in Hubbali.

Parameshwara said this while reacting to BJP's demand for the immediate release of Kar Sevak and suspension of the police inspector who made his arrest by January 9.

“Inspector of Hubballi will not be suspended. Why should he be suspended? What wrong has he done? Let the BJP protest. If they think there should not be law and order in the state, let them continue with protest,” he stated.

“Why should the inspector of Hubballi be suspended? He has done his duty. Is it correct to demand his suspension on BJP's disliking for his work? Do we have to suspend all officers?”

“It is our duty to maintain law and order. As per the law, the action has been initiated by the Hubballi police. Barring the fact that the arrest has been made during the Ram Mandir inauguration, police have not done anything against the law. BJP is unwantedly blowing it up for political reasons. We can’t tolerate the politics of BJP. Let the BJP protest and we will do what is required,” Parameshwara said.

Asked about the officer being sent on compulsory leave, Minister Parameshwara stated, the officer is not sent on compulsory leave. He has gone on leave for two days and will take charge after returning and carry out his duties.

Commenting on the “I am Kar Sevak, arrest me” campaign by BJP leaders in the state, Parameshwara said, "Let them do what they want, we will do our job."

Earlier, sources said the Karnataka government had sent the Police Inspector Mohammad Rafeeq, who arrested the Kar Sevak in Hubballi on compulsory leave.

Inspector Rafeeq attached to Hubballi Shehar police station had arrested Srikanth Poojari on December 29 in connection with a case reported 31 years ago during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in 1990’s.

Poojari was sent to judicial custody and sources said that a special team was also formed to reopen the pending cases lodged during the Ayodhya Rath Yatra.

The Karnataka BJP staged a protest across the state on Wednesday condemning the arrest of Poojari.

Karnataka BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra has given a deadline of 48 hours to the Congress government to release the arrested Kar Sevak. BJP leaders have demanded suspension of police inspector Mohammad Rafeeq.