Quran Burning Incident – Where is Justice?
E Belagavi Special
Belagavi –
The Quran burning incident at Santi Bastawad, which shook the entire state, now seems to have faded into obscurity. What began with an investigation by Belagavi city police was later handed over to the CID — yet none have succeeded in identifying the accused.
Even after three days of intensive investigation, CID officials have reportedly “failed to get to the root of the case”.
Incident Background:
The day the holy Quran was burnt inside a mosque under construction, Belagavi erupted. The absence of CCTV at the site and the gravity of the act deeply hurt communal sentiments.
Soon after, the Muslim community staged a protest at Kittur Rani Chennamma Circle, which escalated tensions in the city.
Under the leadership of MLA Asif Sait, the gathered crowd raised slogans demanding justice, echoing across the city.
Police’s Broken Promise:
Belagavi City Police Commissioner Ida Martin’s assurance that “the culprits will be arrested in three days” had initially pacified the protestors.
However, as that promise was broken, the community once again took to the streets. This time, the police asked for a seven-day extension. Meanwhile, for alleged negligence in the investigation, the rural police station inspector was suspended, sparking protests and objections from Hindu organizations.
CID’s Failure:?
When the case was handed over to the CID, there was hope that “truth would come to light”. But even after three days of rigorous inquiry:
No major clues were uncovered
Despite recording multiple statements, those behind the act could not be identified
Now, people are beginning to ask — “Has even the CID washed its hands off this case?”
Community’s Pain:
Though Belagavi may appear calm on the surface, a fire of unrest simmers beneath.
This act, which violated religious sanctity, has struck at the very foundation of social harmony.
Many ask, “This isn’t just the burning of a paper — it’s the burning of faith!”
The haunting question remains:
Where is justice?
