Two Muslim youths assaulted over stone-pelting allegation, later handed over to police in Chikkamagaluru

Chikkamagaluru: Tension prevailed in Chikkamagaluru after two Muslim youths were allegedly caught pelting stones at a house in Vijayapura Layout late on Monday night. The two were reportedly assaulted by a group of people before being handed over to the police. A counter-complaint has since been registered against BJP Yuva Morcha activists for allegedly attacking them.

The incident came to light following a complaint filed by Sudha HG, a supervisor at the CDPO office, who resides in the Taluk Panchayat quarters in the locality. Based on her complaint, a case has been registered against six youths at Basavanahalli Police Station.

Sudha alleged that the boys had been frequently passing by her house over the past week and pelting stones. She further claimed that on Monday night, stones were thrown at her house and there was an attempt to enter the premises while her daughter was alone. Stating that she belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, she sought action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

According to police, six youths were walking along the road when they allegedly picked up stones and threw them in what they described as “bowling practice.” One stone reportedly landed inside the house compound, triggering the confrontation. When local residents intercepted them, four fled while two were caught and allegedly assaulted. The injured youths have been admitted to the district hospital. All six are students , four are 17-year-old minors, while the other two recently turned 18.

Following the assault, the boys and their parents filed a counter-complaint, alleging that BJP Yuva Morcha District President Santosh Kotian and Bajrang Dal activist Shyam Gowda were involved in the attack. An FIR has been registered against them.

As members of both groups gathered outside the police station around midnight, tension escalated briefly before police intervened and dispersed the crowd.

Reacting to the incident in Mangaluru, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said action had already been initiated. “Police will take action as per the law. As the victim belongs to the SC community, a case will also be booked under the Protection of Civil Rights Act,” he said.