On Cam: Sri Rama Sene Members Tied To Tree And Thrashed. Here's Why
A dispute over cattle transportation in Karnataka’s Belagavi district escalated into violence last week, leading to the arrest of four villagers for allegedly assaulting members of the right-wing group Sri Rama Sene. According to the group, they had intervened due to suspicions over the transport of cows for slaughter, a claim denied by the local resident involved in Ingali village, near Hukkeri. The Sri Rama Sene members also allegedly entered the resident’s home without consent. On the other hand, the villagers claimed they attacked the group believing the men were attempting to steal from their homes.
Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled confirmed the arrest of four villagers in connection with the assault. Further, he said that both parties were at fault and committed offences.
Sri Rama Sene Stopped Vehicle Transporting Cows
The chain of events began on June 26 when activists from the Sri Rama Sene, including Mahaveer Solapure—who has prior police records—stopped a vehicle carrying four cows. Suspecting the animals were being illegally taken to a slaughterhouse, they escorted the driver to the Yamakanmaradi police station. However, the cows' owner, Babajan Multani, reportedly provided legal proof that the animals had been purchased for dairy purposes. Authorities then placed the cows temporarily in a local shelter.
Following verification of the documents, the group who raised the complaint retracted their statement, formally submitting a withdrawal letter to police.
Local Residents Assault Sri Rama Sene
Despite this, tensions resurfaced on June 28 when Multani sought to reclaim his cattle. The same group is alleged to have intercepted his vehicle a second time. After a short altercation, the group reportedly followed the vehicle to Multani’s residence. With Multani not at home, the group allegedly entered his house, alarming family members inside.
Local residents, reportedly unaware of the activists’ identity and believing them to be intruders, detained them, tied them to coconut trees, and assaulted them. Police say the villagers acted under the impression that the group was attempting theft or causing harm.
states