Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DC)
Mangaluru, Sep 30: Vittal inspector T D Nagaraj gave a stern warning to those trying to create unnecessary issue by taking law into their hands in the district especially those who demolished a grotto belonging Christian community in Kolnadu.
Taking people of particular community who demolished a ‘grotto’ and placed Koragajja idol to task, inspector said, “What is your demand? What was here earlier and what have you done? He asked them to which a man replies saying that they had built Koragajja katte and have been worshipping for the last many years. When the inspector asks whether they have any proof to show that there was any idol or any katte, the man says that they do not have any photograph or any evidence. “Other than katte, there was nothing in that place,” the man replies.
To which inspector asks, “If there was nothing, why there was so much a hue and cry. Speak truth. Looking at the place, one can understand that there was no such katte here and work was carried out recently. I do not know, Tulu but I try to speak in your language so that you can understand what I am trying to convey to you. Whether grotto existed illegally or legally it is none of your concern. Concerned government department will take action and there is a way to decide it. All of a sudden how can you demolish it? How much you worship and respect Koragajja, even the grotto or a mosque has to be respected or given importance. I am wearing khaki, to me everything is equal.”
“If at all it was illegal what action have you taken in a legal way? Which DC or Tahshildar or any authority have you approached? If what you are claiming is true, then there is concerned department to take action or demolish it," he says urging both the parties to produce documents to prove their allegations.
“Constructing or demolishing a temple in a government land illegally, both are wrong. It seems to be a government land. Both the parties are making it an issue unnecessarily. Both the community people here do not have inclination towards religion but hatred. If you find something is illegal, approach concerned department or court, but not take law into hands. When everything is calmed down in the district, what you have done here by demolishing is sowing seeds of poison. Have you filed any complaint in this regard? This land belongs to none. So since it belongs to government, concerned officials will take action. We will depute police here. I dare you to challenge us,” he warned.
The incident had taken place at Kulal near Kolnadu in Bantwal taluk on the night of Thursday, September 27. Some idols and buntings were installed after demolishing the Mother Mary grotto which stood there since 1970.
A policeman was suspended for dereliction of duty relating to the case. Two persons, Jayarama Naika and Monappa Naika were arrested in this regard.
Video: