Bhatkal: A case involving the killing of a pregnant cow in Salkod village of Honnavar taluk has taken a controversial turn after police shot a suspect in the leg during an alleged escape attempt in Kasarkod village of the same taluk. The incident has heightened communal tensions and drawn widespread criticism on social media, particularly from the Muslim community, regarding the Congress government's handling of the case.
The case first came to light on last Sunday morning in Salkod village when a pregnant cow was reportedly killed, and its body was removed, leaving only the head and legs behind. Reacting to the incident, Kumta-Honnavar MLA Dinakar Shetty accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara of failing to curb repeated attacks on cows in the region, stating that both need to get their minds treated. He also accused the district police, claiming they inform animal thieves and provide them protection against animal theft.
In response, Uttara Kannada District In-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya instructed the district SP to take stringent action against cattle thieves and those involved in cattle slaughter. Acting on these orders, the district police arrested four individuals from Honnavar reportedly linked to prior cases of cattle theft and smuggling, while Bhatkal police also raided a house in Maqdoom colony, arrested three people, and allegedly recovered meat.
The case took a dramatic turn when a police shooting incident came to light in Kasarkod village in Honnavar taluk on Saturday. It is alleged that accused Faizan attacked the police officers and attempted to escape. In response, the police shot Faizan in the leg to stop him. The injured suspect was later admitted to the Honnavar Government Hospital for treatment.
The latest incident has sparked heated debate on social media, with strong resentment among Muslims over the arrests of Muslim youth on charges of theft. Muslims assert that consuming stolen goods is forbidden in Islam and that they never partake in stolen goods. They argue that by arresting Muslim youths on charges of animal theft, the police are working to spread hatred against Muslims in the hearts of non-Muslim brothers and are attempting to create enmity between the two communities. Concerns are also being raised that the Congress government, under pressure from BJP and RSS troll armies, is trying to please BJP and RSS supporters by targeting Muslim youth. Questions are also being raised about the silence of Muslim leaders supporting Congress on social media.