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PUCL condemns Hindutva groups for hate campaign

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In recent events in Ratkal, Kalaburgi, Karnataka, the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) strongly condemns the actions of Hindutva groups, specifically Sri Ram Sene and Hindu Jagruthi Sene, for their involvement in spreading false news and engaging in a hate campaign against Sister Ashwini Belaikar.

The incident, which occurred on February 22, during Sister Ashwini's private prayer meeting, led to a vicious attack by a mob of around 15 people, accusing her of forcibly converting people to Christianity.

Despite the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by Sister Ashwini, Hindutva groups have continued their harassment, with local authorities, including health officials, pressuring her to withdraw the complaint.

This campaign has extended to social media, with fake news circulating widely, further jeopardizing Sister Ashwini's safety.

The media's role in perpetuating false narratives has only exacerbated the situation.

A Kannada news portal allegedly amplified baseless claims of forced conversions and the broadcast allegedly not only ignored the mob's unlawful actions but also contributed to the spread of misinformation, fostering communal tensions.

PUCL calls for immediate action to address:

• Police must enforce the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, arresting the accused in the FIR and providing protection to Sister Ashwini.
• Independent inquiries by state commissions into intimidation allegations.
• Compensation for the victim, along with a comprehensive report on measures taken to prevent recurrence.
• Strict adherence to Communal Harmony Guidelines and withdrawal of the Freedom of Religion Act.
• Inquiry into mob-led attacks against religious minorities in the last five years.
• Immediate protection for the staff of the Government Hospital in Ratkal.
• It is crucial to uphold constitutional rights and protect individuals like Sister Ashwini from faith-based harassment, ensuring that the rule of law prevails over the rule of the mob.