Hubballi violence: Police launch hunt for Maulvi who made hate speeches to incite Muslim mob

Hubballi: A purported video of a muezzin's hate speech in the city has gone viral on social media, leaving Karnataka police hunting for the person, who instead of calling people to prayers, as is his ordained duty, allegedly tried to incite communal disharmony.

The inflammatory speech had incited a Muslim mob to indulge in largescale violence after the derogatory post appeared on social media.

Police have formed eight teams to nab the accused. More than 120 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, police said.

Large-scale violence had ensued after Maulvi Waseem allegedly addressed an agitated Muslim mob, which had gathered to protest against the post. Thereupon the mob started pelting stones and damaging vehicles.

Welcome to the new normal - Muslim mobs on a rampage. This one from Hubballi, Karnataka didn’t even make the primetime news cycle.

11 cops badly injured. A Hanuman temple stoned. Reason? A photoshopped WhatsApp post showing a saffron flag on a mosque. pic.twitter.com/NayuMfCOAX

— Anand Ranganathan (@ARanganathan72) April 18, 2022

The police are in possession of the video that purportedly depicts the Maulvi giving the hate speech standing in the police commissioner's vehicle.

The youth who had posted the objectionable post has been sent to judicial custody till April 30.

As of now the situation in Hubballi has returned to normal. However, prohibitory orders are in place till April 20 in the city.

Heavy police deployment has been made to maintain law and order. (UNI)