Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Oct 13: The Dakshina Kannada United Muslim Organization on Friday October 13 staged a stong protest demanding speeding investigation and justice in various cases, particularly into the incident wherein Bantwal police allegedly showed 'disrespect' to the Quran during a raid on an accused in the Sharath Madivala case.

Addressing the protesters, Moulana Jafar Sadiq Faizi, state general secretary of Imams' Council said, "The Muslim community in Dakshina Kannada has been targeted for various reasons not related to us. Every time we come under the scanner without any reason. If an individual commits some wrong, a few hidden forces try to project it as a crime done by our community. Today no one is hearing our cry. There is delay in delivering justice to our community each and every time.

"In September, Bantwal police disrespected the Quran and arrested a journalist who reported the incident while conducting raid on the residence of an accused in Sharath Madivala murder case. We are not against arresting those who commit crimes. But in the name of investigation, we cannot bear the torture on our community members. Do not test our patience. We are also citizens of this country and we have rights to live here," he said.

"Our community leaders demanded justice and submitted a memorandum to the district in-charge minister, the home minister and the chief minister. But justice has been still denied to us. The police department has not yet taken action on Bantwal SI Rakshith Gowda, Uppinangady SI Nandakumar and Puttur CI Mahesh Prasad," he added.

Former mayor Ashraf and president of the United Muslim Organization also spoke on the occasion, condeming the COD for not making any progress in the Qureshi murder case and slamming the cops over the alleged Quran incident.

In his welcome speech Ashraf Kinara said, "The Quran is our life. We will not allow its insult. We are ready to sacrifice our life for the Quran. It is given by God not only for us but for the entire universe. The government should punish the policemen who were involved in insulting the Quran and other Madrasa study books."

Suhail Kandak, Hameed Kandak, Azeez Kudroli, Ashraf Kinara, Hameed Kudroli and other office-bearers of United Muslim Organization were present.