A BJP member from Shivamogga in Karnataka SN Channabasappa was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly threatening to behead Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah if he ate beef.
Reacting to a recent statement of CM Siddaramaiah who had said, “I will eat beef now, Who are you to question meIJ” Channabasappa while addressing a protest meeting organised by the local unit of BJP had said if Siddaramaiah eats beef at his place he would be beheaded.
He had said, “How dare you put your hands on the neck of GomataIJ You are openly saying with a dictatorial attitude that you will eat cow meat... If you have the guts, you come here and eat at Gopi Circle (in Shivamogga), then, let there be no doubt that on that day, you will be beheaded”.
“... Are you playing with the emotions of HindusIJ Don’t do it...,” Channabasappa had warned at the meeting held on Monday.
Meanwhile Siddaramaiah viewed his remarks as provocative and said action will be taken as per the law.
“It is a provocative statement. I will ask the police to inquire into it. If it is true, they will definitely take action,” Siddarmaiah said.
Asked about State BJP leaders not reacting to such statements saying they were being made by “fringe elements”, Siddaramaiah said, “BJP people are known for it. That is why we are opposing them. If I say I will eat, how will it harm majority communityIJ Don’t we eat other kinds of meatIJ” he told reporters.
“...food habit is an individual’s choice and should be left to them; no one should interfere with it. By interfering and attacking one’s rights is not correct. It is against the Constitution. It is against individual liberty, it should not be done...
“let us inquire if he (Channabasappa) has made such statement. If he had made such statement, we may have to take action in accordance with law,” Siddaramaiah said.
Channabasappa has been booked under IPC Sections 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation).
Meanwhile the BJP has disassociated from his statement and said the party has nothing to do with it. Party spokesperson S Praksh told The Pioneer that party has nothing to do with the statement made by Channabasappa in Shivamogga.