Call for the demolition of mosque; Police arrests religious leader in Karnataka

Karnataka : An alleged religious leader in Karnataka was arrested Tuesday for calling for the demolition of a mosque in Srirangapatna town in Mandya district on the lines of Babri Masjid.

During a video in front of the mosque in Srirangapatna, Shrikumar Swamiji of Kaali Mutt called for its demolition because it is built over a temple.

According to him, the pillars, walls, and kalyani (water body) inside the mosque are symbols of Hindu architecture. It should be demolished immediately by Hindus, he said.

Videos of the incident were posted on his social media account and received severe reactions.

Police from Srirangapatna has taken Rishikumar Swamiji into custody and brought him before a court in Chikkamagalur district.

Swamiji's lawyer argued that his client's statements are not controversial. The prosecutor stated that he had just vented his frustration by pointing out the traces of temples within the mosque.

Nevertheless, the government's counsel argued that his bail request should not be considered because releasing him would lead to communal disharmony and destruction of evidence.

On Wednesday, the court will render its judgment.