Bhatkal: Muslim leaders in Bhatkal have warned of a major protest if minors are allegedly implicated in false cases in connection with the recent stone-pelting incident involving a mosque in the Gulmi area.

The warning was issued by Mohammed Taufiq Beary, who was part of a delegation from Masjid Hazrat Ismail that met senior police officials at the Bhatkal Town Police Station. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Beary demanded strict action against those responsible for the alleged stone-pelting and urged police to ensure a fair investigation.

According to Beary, two persons were arrested on Thursday morning in connection with the alleged attack on the mosque but were released on bail later the same day. He questioned the action taken against them and called for stronger legal proceedings against those found responsible.

Beary alleged that some BJP and Sangh Parivar members were attempting to shift the focus from the mosque stone-pelting case by accusing very young children of throwing stones at a Ganesh immersion procession. He claimed that allegations had been made against children as young as seven and eight years old.

He further alleged that police had registered a counter-case based on these claims and termed the allegations against the children baseless. He questioned the initiation of proceedings against minors under the Juvenile Justice Act without their involvement first being established through a proper investigation.

“If minors are falsely implicated while those actually responsible for the incident are allowed to go free, there will be a strong protest in Bhatkal,” Beary said.

He also criticised BJP leader and former Bhatkal MLA Sunil Naik for visiting the homes of the two accused after their release on bail and sharing a video of the interaction with their family members on social media. Beary questioned the appropriateness of the intervention while the investigation into the mosque stone-pelting incident was still underway.

The delegation urged police to identify those responsible for the alleged attack and take legal action against them. It also sought action against anyone found deliberately spreading false information or filing false cases against minors.

Beary alleged that a fabricated narrative was being circulated about stone-pelting during the Ganesh immersion procession in an attempt to tarnish Bhatkal’s image. He called on the authorities to examine all allegations impartially and base any action on evidence.