Quran burning probe sparks BJP's warning in Belagavi, accuses police of 'beating innocent boys like animals'

Belagavi: Allegations of police brutality in connection with the reported Quran burning incident in Santi Bastwad village have sparked political outcry and street protests in Belagavi, with BJP leader Sanjay Patil accusing law enforcement authorities of targeting innocent youths and warning of a statewide agitation if justice is not served.

Patil, addressing media persons during a protest organised by VHP and Bajrang Dal activists on Wednesday, charged the police with "beating innocent boys like animals" under the pretext of investigating the alleged desecration of the Quran.

“Instead of conducting a proper inquiry, the police have turned against the very youth they are supposed to protect. This reflects a total breakdown of law and order in the state,” he said.

He demanded an impartial and transparent probe into the matter and condemned what he called the arbitrary detention and custodial assault of youths from the local community.

“If no steps are taken, this march will be just the beginning,” Patil said.

While he said that the act of Quran burning—if proven—deserved condemnation, he also noted that conflicting reports had emerged regarding whether such an incident had occurred at all.

“Some say no such incident happened. If it did, I condemn it unequivocally. We respect all religions and stand for communal harmony,” he stated.

The BJP leader also raised suspicions over alleged lapses in the investigation, pointing to a reported one-hour blackout of CCTV footage around the time the incident is said to have taken place.

The district administration has so far maintained silence on the specific allegations of police excesses.

Local police sources neither confirmed nor denied detentions but said investigations were ongoing.