Bengaluru, Feb 16: Three students from Kashmir studying at a private engineering college in Hubballi district of Karnataka were arrested on sedition charges for allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans and posting a video of it on a messaging platform, police said on Saturday.
Police said, according to preliminary information, the students are from Shopian in Kashmir and action has been taken on the basis of a complaint from the college management.
"We received information that three students hailing from Kashmir studying at the KLE Institute of Technology had raised slogans supporting Pakistan. They had made a video about it which has gone viral. Immediately our team headed by Inspector Gokul Road station went to the spot and arrested them," Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner R Dileep said.
Right wing activists, including those from Bajarang Dal who had gathered near the college, demanded stringent action against the three.
As the students were being taken to the police station with their faces covered, an activist tried to attack them, but police escorted them safely.
The FIR has been lodged under IPC sections relating to sedition and affecting communal harmony, the official said.
"We are investigating, and whatever comes out as per evidence, law and facts, we will take further action. We will look into their background, whether anyone has tried to mislead them," Mr Dileep said, adding that the arrest should not be seen as action against any particular community or region.
According to officials, the selfie video of the three has gone viral as they posted it on WhatsApp. In the video one of them can be purportedly seen initially uttering something with background music on, after which they chant ''Azadi'' one after the other. Then joining chorus to the music that is playing, they purportedly say "Pakistan Zindabad."
The music they played is said to be Pakistani military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) song, which police said needs to be ascertained.
The video seems to have been recorded at the college hostel, where the students were put up. College principal Basavaraj Anami said the college has given complaint to the police and the students will be suspended.
The students were admitted under central quota and two are doing their first year civil engineering, while the other is a third year student in the same stream, he said.
According to him, the three had made the video and posted it on WhatsApp.
"It came to our notice in the morning, following which I called the students immediately to my office, and informed the police," the principal told reporters.
"In the video, they have purportedly shouted pro-Pakistan slogans allegedly in the backdrop of the Pulwama attack anniversary yesterday," he added.
Union minister Pralhad Joshi, who hails from the district, described the act unfortunate and demanded strict action against those involved.
Comments
I cant comment on this issue coz its thier own will and wish. I wish they should have used this gather to teach brotherhood / respect to every indian citizen / non voilence and love. Organisers should preach good things to youngsters without getting influenced from any political or communal party. Also, they should not force any one to sing Vande mataram as this is not compulsoryu as per our constitution. Jana gana mana is our national anthem and not vande mataram. No objection in singing vande mataram by anyone, but dont force others. Show your patriotim by loving and respecting all indians and religions. This is fundamental right of every citizen based on constitution.
Na TASYA Pratima ASTI... (There is no image of God) Those who support this, should understand that U are worshiping the motherland. There is no image of God and U make the motherland as God and make a mock out of God... We respect the motherland but we will never worship it as a God... God is the creator of the motherland ... Bow only to the CREATOR of all that exists including the motherland.
It will be very nice to see the big group singing Vande Maatharam..good luck to the organizers
Congrats to all the participants
People can not forcefully to make a follower or believer. Should inspire them, than they will do themselves. Thanks to the team who worked behind this wonderful programme
Indtead of imposing nationalism through film theatres, do something like this. Many people will participate volunterly and it may help to inspire many
Good one. congrats entire team
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