Belthangady: 17 booked for allegedly mocking Islamic practices during traditional ritual

Belthangady: As many as 17 individuals have been booked by the Venoor police for allegedly mocking Islamic traditions, including the religion of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, and the sacred call to prayer (Azaan), during a local ritual in Peradi village of Belthangady taluk.

According to the complaint filed by Mohammad Rafiq, a resident of Poyyegudde in Padangadi village, the incident occurred on the night of April 14 between 11 PM and midnight. During a traditional ritual known as Purusha Kattuna, some participants allegedly dressed in attire resembling Muslim religious clothing and ridiculed Islamic symbols and practices.

The complaint also alleges that the act was intentionally shared on social media to provoke communal disharmony between Hindu and Muslim communities.

Those named in the FIR include Vasanth, Rajesh Savya, Harish Savya, Dayananda Peradi, Ranganath Peradi, Mohan Peradi, Shamit Peradi, Ravi Peradi, and Ramesh Kulal Peradi, along with several others. In total, 17 individuals have been identified by name, with the complaint mentioning another 20–30 unidentified persons.

The Venoor police have registered the case and initiated an investigation into the matter.