Is Karnataka Police Investigating a Death Threat to Cow Vigilante Puneeth Kerehalli?

Mysuru, May 16 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police are currently conducting an investigation into a death threat directed at cow vigilante and Hindu activist, Puneeth Kerehalli. The Udayagiri Police in Mysuru have filed an FIR against an individual named Akram Khan and others related to this case, with inquiries actively ongoing, as confirmed by police on Friday.

Puneeth reported receiving a threatening WhatsApp call, in which the caller vowed to kill him in revenge for the murder of Idrees Pasha. Following this, the suspect allegedly shared a social media post declaring, "Next you."

Puneeth and his associates have been implicated in the death of Idrees Pasha, who died during what was described as a cow rescue operation on April 1, 2023.

After his arrest with four others, Puneeth was granted conditional bail by the Karnataka High Court.

According to reports, on March 31, 2023, Puneeth and his group stopped a vehicle transporting cows near Sathanur town.

Pasha was driving this vehicle at the time.

They rescued the cows and even shared a video documenting the event.

However, Pasha's body was later discovered approximately 200 meters from the vehicle, with allegations suggesting that Puneeth and his team were responsible for his death.

The local Sathanur Police have registered three FIRs in this matter, charging Puneeth under various IPC Sections, including 341 (wrongful restraint), 504 (intentional insult), 506 (criminal intimidation), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons), 302 (murder), and 34 (common intention). Puneeth has denied the claims of assaulting Idrees Pasha.

This recent wave of death threats against Puneeth Kerehalli follows a troubling trend of threats targeting Hindu activists following the murder of former Bajrang Dal member Suhas Shetty.

In the wake of Shetty's murder, other Hindu activists such as Bharat Kumdel and Sharan Pumpwell have reportedly received threats on social media, warning them of impending danger.

Bharat Kumdel, affiliated with Bajrang Dal, received threats reminding him of his past actions, stating that people "have not forgotten Bharat who killed Mohammad Ashraf." The message included the phrase, "wait and watch" alongside an image of a sword. Mohammad Ashraf was recently the victim of a mob lynching incident after allegedly shouting a pro-Pakistan slogan in Mangaluru.

Senior leader of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Sharan Pumpwell, has also filed a police complaint at the Kadri police station in Mangaluru regarding a social media threat against his life.

The threatening post identified Sharan Pumpwell as the next target, urging him to prepare. The police have initiated an FIR under Section 351 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act in this case.

The Karnataka BJP has expressed alarm over the ongoing threats to Hindu activists in Mangaluru.

BJP state unit President, B.Y. Vijayendra, stated on Monday, "The brutal murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty has shocked the people of Mangaluru district. Citizens across the state are anxious due to the unchecked dominance of communal forces."

Vijayendra criticized the Congress government for failing to uphold its moral duty, asserting that it has taken no legal measures to restore law and order. He remarked that the silence from the Home Department and the influence of unseen, powerful forces behind the scenes have become evident through the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty and the subsequent threats.

On another front, Riyaz Kadambu, a leader associated with the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), also lodged a complaint with the Pandeshwara police station regarding a threat to his life.

He informed the police that during a program on a YouTube channel, he received a threatening message stating that he was the next target. This threat was allegedly issued by one K. R. Rakesh, and the police are currently investigating the situation.