In a recent incident that has sparked considerable attention in Bengaluru, Karnataka, a Hindu shop owner, identified as Mukesh, found himself at the center of a violent confrontation. This event occurred on Sunday, 17th March, in the bustling locality of Jumma Masjid Road, specifically within the Siddanna Galli area, which is known for its diverse population and numerous small businesses. Mukesh, who owns and operates Vardhaman Telecom, a shop situated near a mosque, was reportedly subjected to a physical attack by a group of young individuals. The cause of the altercation, as mentioned, stemmed from Mukesh's decision to play Hanuman Chalisa along with other Hindu devotional songs within his shop premises.

The seriousness of the situation is underscored by available CCTV footage, which offers a clear depiction of the events as they unfolded on that fateful Sunday evening. The video captures the moment when approximately five to six individuals, later identified as the accused, approached Mukesh's shop. Initially, the interaction between Mukesh and the group began with a verbal argument, the content of which can be inferred to relate to the music being played in the shop. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated as the disagreement turned physical.

Eyewitness accounts and the CCTV footage reveal a distressing scene where Mukesh is forcibly dragged out of his shop by the assailants. Despite his attempts to stand his ground and confront his attackers, Mukesh finds himself outnumbered. The footage poignantly shows him being overwhelmed and eventually knocked to the ground by the youths. This incident has not only raised concerns about communal harmony in the area but also about the safety of individuals and business owners in the vicinity of religious structures.

In the aftermath of the attack, there was a noticeable delay in the official response. Reports suggest that the local police were initially hesitant to file a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident. It was only after local residents and members of the community staged protests, expressing their discontent and demanding justice for Mukesh, that the authorities took the necessary legal steps to address the situation. This reluctance by the police to promptly act has further fueled discussions and concerns among the public about the impartiality and efficiency of law enforcement in dealing with such sensitive cases.

Mukesh Kumar, a Hindu shop owner, recounted the events to Asianet Kannada, saying, "As usual in the shop, I used to sing bhajans in the evening during the puja. They came to the shop and asked, 'Why are you playing bhajans during our Azaan time?'" This question soon led to a physical confrontation, as the assailants not only verbally confronted Mukesh but also physically assaulted him. Mukesh detailed the initial act of violence, stating, "First, he took the speaker and hit me on the head. It was as if he had a weapon in his hand. That’s why it hurt so much."

Further complicating Mukesh's plight was the revelation that since opening his shop, Vardhaman Telecom, just two months prior, he had been subjected to intimidation and extortion attempts by the same group. Mukesh alleged that the accused had been making "roll calls" and trying to extort money from him, a situation that undoubtedly escalated tensions leading up to the assault.

Determined to seek justice, Mukesh submitted a complaint at the Halasuru Gate Police Station, urging the authorities to take action against his assailants by registering an FIR. However, he faced an unexpected hurdle when he claimed that the police showed a reluctance to act on his complaint. This inaction prompted a significant response from the local community.

In solidarity with Mukesh, a large group of local traders and concerned citizens gathered outside the police station, demanding that the police formally recognize the incident and take legal action against the perpetrators. Their collective pressure eventually led to the registration of an FIR, signifying the commencement of an official investigation.

In a significant development regarding the recent altercation in Bengaluru, the incharge of the Halasuru Gate Police Station has provided crucial updates on the case. Speaking to the media, the officer announced that the three main accused in the incident have been apprehended. These individuals, identified by the names Suleiman, Shahnawaz, and Rohit, are now in custody following their arrest.

The officer also addressed the community's response to the incident, acknowledging that approximately a hundred people had convened outside the police station on Sunday. This gathering was a form of protest, with community members seeking swift action and justice for the victim. Despite the public's concern, the officer clarified the police's stance, denying any allegations of negligence or delayed response in handling the case.

Moreover, the officer provided insights into the nature of the altercation that has drawn significant attention. He explicitly stated, “The FIR has been registered, and three people have been arrested. Three main accused were arrested yesterday night and an FIR has been registered. Enquiry is going on. Suleiman, Shahnawaz and Rohit are the main accused. There is no communal angle. It was about playing a song near the masjid. They [the accused] were telling the complainant to lower the volume of the speakers. There was an altercation over this.” This statement is crucial as it sheds light on the circumstances leading to the dispute, emphasizing that the conflict arose over the volume of music being played near a mosque, rather than any underlying communal tensions.

Questions were raised about the police's initial willingness to register a First Information Report (FIR) and their overall response to the situation.

Koo App Mukesh explained how they tried to harmed him & asked not play Hanuman Chalisa during Azaan 1 Lion vs pack of wolves What a brave Hanuman devotee! Mukesh fought alone with five cowards. People of #Bengaluru must come to his support, show your unity, and stand with him. @BJP4Karnataka Mukesh you are the hero 🔥 Join | t.me/SatyaagrahIndia View attached media content - Satyaagrah (@SatyaagrahIndia) 18 Mar 2024

Addressing these concerns, the officer in charge of the Halasuru Gate Police Station provided clarifications to the media. He stated, “No, we had immediately done an FIR, took action and conducted searches…but some people diverted the matter saying it was a Hindu-Muslim fight.” This response suggests that the police took prompt action upon receiving the complaint, contrary to allegations of reluctance. The officer's mention of a diversion implies that external narratives may have influenced the perception of the incident, framing it as a conflict between Hindu and Muslim communities.

Further inquiry into the police's actions revealed their perspective on the public reaction that followed the incident. The officer recounted the gathering of approximately a hundred individuals from the Nagarapet and Kumbarpet areas, who came in support of both the complainant and the accused. According to him, this assembly contributed to creating a nuisance, indicating that the situation outside the police station was marked by tension and disorder, complicating the law enforcement's efforts to manage the incident.

Regarding the continuation of the investigation and the apprehension of any additional culprits, the officer provided a succinct update. He said, “Inquiry is going on. After inquiry, all those involved will be arrested.” This statement assures that the police are not concluding their investigation with the arrest of the initial three accused but are instead conducting a thorough inquiry to identify and arrest all individuals implicated in the altercation.

The officer's comments aim to convey the police's stance that they acted swiftly and efficiently in response to the incident, despite suggestions of initial hesitancy to file an FIR.

After meeting the shopkeeper who was attacked by a group of over five men for playing devotional music, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya says, "Yesterday evening, Mukesh, was conducting his business. He tells me that every evening, he had a practice of playing devotional songs on his speaker...Yesterday, a few miscreants came to his shop and started an argument with him and demanded him to switch off and stop playing the Hanuman Chalisa. When he refused, he was pulled out and 6-7 miscreants thrashed and attacked. You can see the injuries that he has sustained. He has suffered grievous injuries...Immediately, Mukesh and the neighbouring shopkeepers tried to reach the nearest Police station to register an FIR. Even after submitting a detailed written complaint, the local Police did not register an FIR. It was registered only after the intervention of PC Mohan, myself and local BJP leaders that the FIR was registered at a belated stage. The locals here are apprehensive that the Police have filed a diluted FIR and added names of certain people who may not be involved in the crime itself...Only 3 people have been attested and apprehended by the Police, we have demanded that by tomorrow morning all those accused being seen on CCTV must be arrested immediately...We are demanding from the Bengaluru City Commissioner to conduct the investigation in an unbiased and professional manner..."