Protest at Freedom Park demanding for arrest of RSS leader: Protestors state gender equality goes beyond religious divides

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: A protest unfolded at Freedom Park on Friday, drawing more than 300 participants united in a demand for the arrest of RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat.

The demonstrators, passionate about gender equality, stressed that the issue transcends religious lines, asserting that it is not solely about Muslim women but encompasses women in general.

Shahnaz, one of the protesters, expressed concern, stating, "Yesterday he spoke derogatorily about Muslim women, tomorrow he will speak about Christian women, and the day after that, he will speak about Hindu women. Should we wait until that happens?"

She emphasised the need for a sincere apology from Bhat, urging him to genuinely acknowledge his mistake and refrain from making such comments in the future.

The photos raised slogans with placards to end violence and derogatory comments against women.

People from all religions, ages and genders participated in the potent demanding the arrest of Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat and stated that if one person is punished, it will instil fear in everyone who even thinks about degrading another person or community.

Ayesha Bhanu, another protestor said, “It is not alright for the government to just let go of people like Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat. Coming from the Muslim community, our votes constitute almost 95% of congresses votes and if there is no action taken on this issue, we will not show our support to the party next election.”

In response to the alleged derogatory remarks, an FIR has been lodged against Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat at Srirangapatna town police station in Mandya district.

The complaint, filed by social worker Najma Nazeer, accuses Bhat of insulting women and promoting religious enmity during an address at the Sankeertana Yatra organised by Hindu Jagrana Vedike on December 24.

The complaint asserts that Bhat's remarks not only demeaned women but also fueled animosity between Hindus and Muslims, posing a threat to societal peace.

The incident underscores the ongoing tension between free speech and the responsibility to prevent the spread of hate speech in public discourse.