Student leader in Kolar threatened by Hindutva groups

A student leader in Kolar has been receiving threats from pro-Hindutva groups. K. Vasudeva Reddy, a law student and district unit president of Students’ Federation of India (SFI), received a call and the caller threatened that he (Mr. Reddy) will face “death on the streets” if he did not stop speaking against religion and god.

The recording of the conversation between Reddy and the caller, who identified himself as Siddu, a supporter of pro-Hindutva outfits, was widely circulated on WhatsApp.

“You are aware what fate (M.M.) Kalburgi has faced. You will become a ‘beedi hena’ if progressive campaigning is not stopped,” the caller allegedly told Mr. Reddy. He reportedly also used abusive language, questioned Mr. Reddy’s birth and nationality.

Mr. Reddy is one of the prominent activists who participated in a dharna outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office demanding the arrest of Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji of Ramachandrapur Mutt in a case of alleged sexual assault.

Complaint lodged

Following the threatening call, Mr. Reddy has lodged a complaint with the town police seeking action against the caller and sought protection.

Town Circle Inspector of Police Shivaprasad said the caller will be traced based on his number. However, no FIR has been filed.

Second incident

This is the second such incident that Mr. Reddy is facing. Last month, Murali, a leader of the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad, reportedly threatened him. Following Mr. Reddy’s complaint in this regard, the police warned Mr. Murali and took an undertaking from him.