Katheria in soup over 'hate speech'

 Union minister of state for HRD Ramshankar Katheria, seems to be in trouble over his “hate speech” at a meeting organised to condole the killing of a saffron leader in Agra a few days back.

According to the police sources, the cops in Agra have registered a case against around 600 unidentified people and are “collecting evidence” to identify the perpetrators and act against them.

Sources said that the police were in possession of the video that shows Katheria and other saffron leaders, including BJP Lok Sabha member from Fatehpur Sikri Babulal, Surendra Jain and Sadhvi Prachi.

Sources said that the cops were waiting for clearance from the government to go ahead and book the saffron leaders on various charges, including trying to incite communal hatred. The local administration, according to sources, apprehended that their arrest could create law and order problems. Officials said that more names could be added in the FIR after investigation.

Katheria and others had reportedly delivered provocative speeches during the condolence meeting held on Sunday at Agra, three days after VHP leader Arun Mahaur was shot dead in the town by motorbike-borne assailants. The union minister reportedly said that the Hindu society needed to be united in ensuring that those behind such acts were dealt with in the same way. Katheria, however, later denied the allegations.
Opposition parties have demanded sacking of Katheria.