Koppal: An FIR has been registered in Koppal, Vijayapura, and Kalaburagi against Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for his controversial statement. Yatnal announced a cash reward of ₹5 lakh for Hindu youths marrying Muslim women, a statement accused of disrupting communal harmony. The cases have been filed at Koppal City Police Station, Gandhi Chowk Police Station in Vijayapura, and Roza Police Station in Kalaburagi.On August 3, 2025, in Koppal’s Kurubara Oni, a 30-year-old Hindu youth, Gavisiddappa Nayak, was murdered. On August 10, Yatnal visited the victim’s family to offer condolences. Speaking to the media during the visit, he declared, “We will start a campaign to provide ₹5 lakh to Hindu youths who marry Muslim women. This will be a response to Muslims who have a mindset of killing Hindus.” The statement has been accused of being derogatory and provocative against the Muslim community.read also: Bengaluru Requires 80 Acres of Land for Twin-Tube Tunnel Construction
In a complaint filed in Koppal by Abdul Kalam, it was stated that Yatnal’s remarks have incited hatred between the two communities and insulted Muslim women by portraying them in a derogatory manner, thereby threatening social harmony. In Vijayapura, former municipal councilor Mainuddin Beelagi, and in Kalaburagi, Qamar Junaid Qureshi, president of the Khidmat-e-Millat Committee, filed complaints. Based on these, cases have been registered against Yatnal under Sections 351(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting communal hatred and disturbing public peace.
The statement has sparked intense debate across the state. Congress district minister M.B. Patil condemned Yatnal’s remarks as reprehensible and disgusting, stating, “Such statements harm Vijayapura’s culture of harmony.” In Kalaburagi’s Chincholi town, the Taluk Muslim Development Committee staged a massive protest, demanding Yatnal’s arrest.read also: Another Victim to Killer BMTC Bus: 10-Year-Old Girl Crushed Under Wheels
In Vijayapura’s Almel town, a group of youths attempted to gherao Yatnal’s car, but the police detained them. This incident underscores the social tension caused by Yatnal’s statement.
Yatnal defended his remarks, stating, “Gavisiddappa’s murder is part of ‘love jihad.’ The state government has failed to protect Hindu youths. Through this campaign, we will instill courage in Hindu youths.” However, Congress and Muslim organizations have strongly condemned this stance.read also: Attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta: Investigation Reveals Shocking Details About Accused Rajesh Khimji
The FIRs filed in Koppal, Vijayapura, and Kalaburagi are likely to be transferred to Koppal City Police Station. The police are reviewing video clips of Yatnal’s statement and have intensified the investigation. A senior police officer from Koppal stated, “Such statements disturb societal peace. Appropriate legal action will be taken.”
The Congress government has accused the BJP of using this incident as a communal polarization tactic. “MLAs like Yatnal are working to divide society.read also: PM Modi speaks with Putin on phone... India supports peace in Ukraine!
Everyone is equal before the law,” said Home Minister G. Parameshwara. In response, some BJP leaders have expressed support for Yatnal, indicating that the controversy has taken a political turn.
This incident has triggered intense debate in Karnataka’s political and social spheres, and the subsequent legal actions will determine the course of this controversy.JUNEBERRY® 100% Pure Cotton Oversized Loose Baggy Fit Drop Shoulder Half Sleeve Round Neck Cool Front Teddy Printed Cork & White T-Shirt for Women/Girls (Available in from S to 2XL)