Arson threat: Saffron leader backs Kateel; UTK demands public apology

Mangaluru, Jan 4: Even as the police have registered an FIR against Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel for threatening to arson his constituency, a Sangh Parivar leader has strongly condemned action against him.

Satyajith Surathkal, BJP Backward Classes Morcha state secretary, lambasted Congress leaders for filing case against the MP for his provocative speech.

Addressing a protest meet in front of Konaje police station on Sunday, Mr Kateel had said that his party workers were capable of setting Dakshina Kannada district on fire if the police did not arrest the perpetrators of the murder of Karthik Raj.

Strongly backing the MP, Mr Surathkal said: "Mr Kateel made that statement just out of emotion. However, Congress leaders have blown the issue out of proportion.”

On the other hand Mr Kateel has regretted for his open threat and said that he was unwell. However, Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader accused the BJP MP of attempting to disturb peace in the region and also demanded a public apology for his statement.

Mr. Khader, who represents Mangaluru constituency where the Mr Kateel delivered the provocative speech, said that it was unbecoming of a public representative to speak in a way that could incite violence in the region.

As an MP, Mr. Kateel should work towards the development of the region and not indulge in acts that disturbed peace. Instead of helping the police in catching the real culprits, Mr. Kateel was trying to gain political mileage over the delay in the arrest of those involved in the murder reported in October 2016.

Condemning the statement of Mr. Kateel, district in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai said that criminal action should be taken against the MP for making the provocative speech. Mr. Rai said that he has requested the State government to hand over investigation in the murder to the Criminal Investigation Department.