Belagavi Belagavi, once known as “Kundanagari,” is transforming into “Gunda Nagari.” Here, if a victim approaches the police station seeking justice, they are treated like criminals. In other words, the police in Belagavi have created their own blind law, establishing their own empire beyond government oversight. The functioning of the Belagavi police department, which seems to operate with the attitude of “the path is wherever the elephant walks,” could become a major embarrassment for the government in the coming days. Recently, at Balekundri near Belagavi Rural, a duty-bound KSRTC bus conductor, Mahadev Hukkeri, was assaulted by Marathi-speaking individuals. The police should have taken this matter seriously. However, even when the case reached the station, they did not immediately act to arrest the culprits. Instead, they attempted to mediate the matter. The police only registered the case when Kannada organizations took up the issue.
The most unfortunate part of this entire incident is that the CPI of Marihal police station, instead of taking action against the attackers, filed a POCSO case against the 58-year-old bus conductor Mahadev—raising serious concerns about the intent behind this move.
A Deliberate Misdirection
There is widespread speculation that the police registered a POCSO case merely to divert attention from this serious incident. When such a case is filed, a CPI-level officer should ideally inform the Police Commissioner to ensure transparency and verify the authenticity of the complaint.
In this case, the complaint originated from the family of a minor girl who initially started an argument with the conductor over speaking in Marathi. The Police Commissioner was reportedly aware of the issue and even advised the CPI not to register the POCSO case based on circumstantial evidence.
However, the CPI of Marihal station ignored this directive and proceeded with the case anyway. The question now arises—under whose pressure was this case registered? This has become a hot topic in political circles.
Is It Even Possible?
The bus in which Mahadev Hukkeri was working had over 125 passengers. In such a crowded bus, how is it even possible for him to commit an act warranting a POCSO case? This raises serious doubts about the legitimacy of the complaint.
How did the CPI of Marihal station fail to apply common sense in this situation? Or was there an invisible hand pressuring him to register the case?
Hunt for the Absconders
Regarding the Balekundri village incident, a fight broke out between a passenger and the conductor over a language issue. The police have registered a case at Marihal station and arrested four suspects. Three teams have been formed to track down those who have fled.
A counter-case has also been registered, alleging that the bus conductor behaved inappropriately. The police are investigating both complaints under Section 12, and statements from other passengers in the bus will be recorded. If false accusations are found, action will be taken accordingly. “Had we not registered the case, the complainants would have approached another authority. Therefore, we took up the case and are investigating it.”
— Yada Martin Marbanyang, Police Commissioner, Belagavi
Is the State Government Even Functioning?
If the Karnataka government truly cares about Kannadigas, it must immediately take action against the police officer who filed a POCSO case against the assaulted KSRTC conductor.
This demand is not just limited to Belagavi—it is now resonating across the state. In response, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has called for protests across Belagavi on Sunday.
However, the government’s failure to act swiftly has fueled outrage among Kannadigas, who feel like they are being ignored despite clear injustices.
Serious Consideration Needed
Belagavi’s District In-Charge Minister, Satish Jarkiholi, has instructed officials to take this incident seriously
already discussed this matter with the District Commissioner, and they have assured me that the issue will be resolved.” — Satish Jarkiholi
