Three individuals were arrested by the police in Bengaluru on Monday for allegedly shouting pro-Pakistan slogans in the Vidhana Soudha while celebrating the election of Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain to the Rajya Sabha.
The arrested men, identified as Iltaz from Delhi, Mohammad Nashipudi from Haveri district, and Munnawar from Bengaluru, were seen with Hussain in the corridors of the legislative house on February 27. Following claims by TV channels that they had raised ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans, the police sent voice samples to a forensic science laboratory. Hussain has maintained that his supporters were actually chanting ‘Nasir Saab Zindabad’.
DCP (Central) HT Shekar stated on Monday that the arrests were made based on the FSL report, circumstantial evidence, witness statements, and available proof.
Charges under IPC Sections 505 (1) and 153B have been invoked by the police, relating to inciting statements and assertions prejudicial to national integration.
A police officer mentioned that the three individuals had obtained passes from Hussain to enter the Vidhana Soudha.
In response to the controversy, Hussain pointed out, “If anyone thinks they are more patriotic, they should know that I come from a freedom fighter’s family… I don’t want lessons in patriotism and nationalism from people who try to divide the people of this country.”
He also emphasized in an interview with The Indian Express, “What does Pakistan have to do with a Rajya Sabha election in Karnataka? There is no meaning, no occasion, no connection… nothing… Even if somebody is seriously claiming that it was recorded and all, the law should take its own course.”
The BJP claimed on Monday that a private FSL report had confirmed the presence of pro-Pakistan slogans.
Police had interrogated over 26 individuals in the case and collected voice samples from some of them.
Following the arrests, BJP continued to criticize the Congress party. Former minister CT Ravi posted, “Shame on those CONgress leaders and their pet fact checkers who tried to cover up this anti-national act. This incident proves that Communal CONgress will go to any extent to fulfill its Appeasement Politics.”