Hindutva leader Harshita Thakur, six others booked over provocative gesture against Ansari dargah in Belagavi

Videos of the incident went viral across social media platforms

A case has been registered against seven people, including Maharashtra-based Hindutva leader Harshita Thakur, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and promoting communal disharmony during a procession held on Sunday.

The incident took place as the procession of Akhanda Hindu Samavesha was heading towards Machhe in Belagavi on January 18 evening.

According to the complaint, Thakur, who was travelling in an open vehicle during the procession, allegedly made a hand gesture simulating the shooting of an arrow towards the Ansari Dargah near Peeranawadi as the yatra passed the area, Times of India reported.

The act was reportedly accompanied by chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and was said to have hurt the religious sentiments of another community.

Videos of the incident went viral across social media platforms.

Based on a complaint lodged by Abdul Khader Mujawar of Peeranawadi, Belagavi Rural police registered a case against Harshita Thakur and six organisers of the Akhanda Hindu Sammelan under sections concerning religious insult and promoting enmity between communities, the TOI report stated.

The event, held in Machhe village on Sunday evening, followed a grand procession.

The organisers of the sammelan -- Supreeth Simpi, Shrikant Kamble, Bettappa Tarihal, Shivaji Shahapurkar, Gangaram Tarihal, and Kallappa -- were accused of making speeches that could potentially inflame communal sentiments. Police said further inquiries are ongoing.