Karnataka Government to Investigate Congress Leader's Warning of Godhra-Like Incident Ahead of Ayodhya Temple Opening

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced on Thursday that the state government will gather information in response to senior Congress leader B K Hariprasad's claim of a potential 'Godhra-like incident' in Karnataka. Hariprasad had expressed concerns about the safety situation in the state leading up to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) state unit has vehemently criticized the ruling Congress party, urging the immediate arrest of Hariprasad. The Congress MLC had warned of a Godhra-like scenario, referring to the tragic 2002 Godhra train burning case that resulted in severe communal riots in Gujarat.

Minister Parameshwara reassured the public, stating, "We don't have any information. If a situation like that rises, then our department (police) is capable of handling it. We will not let such things happen."

In response to queries about summoning Hariprasad for details, the minister acknowledged the possibility, considering him a senior leader likely to possess relevant information. However, he clarified that there was no immediate need to issue a notice to Hariprasad.

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai accused the Congress MLC of 'instigating' people and questioned the apparent intelligence failure, emphasizing that an ordinary person making a similar statement would face legal action. Bommai insisted that Hariprasad be summoned to the police station for inquiry.

Meanwhile, former minister K S Eshwarappa and Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel also voiced concerns, suggesting that Hariprasad's statement implies possessing crucial information. They called for a consistent approach in handling such matters and demanded the Congress MLC's arrest, alleging that he holds pertinent details about the incident.

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