Belagavi: Student allegedly assaulted for dancing with Kannada flag

Belagavi: A student was physically assaulted in an event at a private college, here on Thursday, December 1, for dancing with a Kannada (Karnataka) flag.

The incident is reported from the Tilakavadi Police Station limits.

As per police sources, a boy was allegedly beaten up by his own batchmates for dancing while holding a Karnataka flag. While the boy went to file a complaint, the police allegedly verbally abused the boy.

It is learned that Kannada-speaking students who participated in the event were all minors.

Expressing his distress over the incident, pro-Kannada activist Sampath Kumar said, “The state government and the police department shall question students who attacked our Kannada-speaking students. Is it ethical on the part of the police to show such an attitude? Legislators from the district only know to get votes, but who will protect Kannadigas?”

He alleged the police for rude their behaviour against the Kannada-speaking students and said, “When the students entered the police station to file a complaint, the police not only pushed them out but also warned not to tell anyone about it. The injured student has been taken to the district hospital.”

Reacting to the incident, DCP (Law and Order) Ravindra Gadadi said, “We have called the students of the college and made them understand on creating a ruckus based on linguistics within the school and college campus was not ethical. When the students were dancing students stamped each other’s feet.  Due to this, clashes have erupted. Students on both sides were Kannada speaking only but minors.”