Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Apr 2: Enraged at the propagation and alleged abetment towards religious conversion, the residents of K Nidugane village in the district stripped four persons including a constable of district armed forces half-naked, and handed them over to the police station. The incident occurred on Friday April 1.

Prasanna, a constable of the district armed force, Divakar from Madiker, Lawrence, who owns a studio, and Dias from Bangalore, were assaulted by the villagers.

These four persons, who formed a group, visited Nandimotte in the above village, and started conducting door-to-door visits, duly distributing pamphlets and books, and coaxing the people for religious conversion. When some people objected to it, they reportedly challenged the villagers that nothing can be done to them, as they have brought police escort in the form of Divakar. Enraged by the stubborn attitude, the villagers reportedly beat them up and tore their clothes.

Functionaries of some Hindu outfits, who came to know about the incident, rushed to the village. Before they could manhandle the foursome, the policemen intervened and took the accused into custody. Reportedly, Divakar, along with his wife, Telcy Divakar, had visited Devastoor village in the company of two others for convincing villagers to change their religions. At that time too, the locals had beaten him up and handed him to the policemen. He had been released on bail in that case.

Prasanna, who has now been arrested, is learnt to be facing a number of cases. Deputy superintendent of police, J D Prakash, said that a recommendation had been sent to the superintendent of police, seeking Prasanna’s suspension from service.