Bengaluru: Police detains BJP MP Tejasvi Surya during protest over 'Azaan' row

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya joins the protest in Bengaluru following an altercation between a group of people and a shopkeeper during 'Azaan' time

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya was detained by police on Tuesday amid alteraction over 'Azaan' row after the BJP leader joined the protest in Bengaluru following an altercation between a group of people and a shopkeeper during 'Azaan' time on Sunday.   Tejasvi Surya demanded that the Bengaluru City Commissioner investigate the incident in an unbiased and professional manner.

News agency ANI reported that a group of men attacked the shopkeeper for playing a devotional song during Azaan.

On Monday Tejasvi Surya said, "Yesterday evening, Mukesh, who is an honest hardworking shopkeeper was conducting his business. In the evening, he said that he had a practice of playing a devotional song on his speaker.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya detained by Police.

Tejasvi Surya urges the protestors to go back; says "Sab chale jao." pic.twitter.com/JjGOKRmDtB

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2024

Alleging that the local police did not register the FIR initially, Surya said, "Immediately, Mukesh and the neighbouring shopkeepers tried to reach the nearest police station to register an FIR. Even after submitting a detailed written complaint, the local police did not register an FIR. It was only after the intervention of PC Mohan, myself and local BJP leaders that the FIR was registered at a belated stage."

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Police said that during the 'Azaan' time, when a shopkeeper played a song loudly near Siddanna Layout, in Bengaluru, an altercation occurred between a group of people and the
shopkeeper.

"An altercation occurred between a group of people and a shopkeeper last evening during 'Azaan' time when a shopkeeper played a song loudly near Siddanna Layout, in Bengaluru. A few Muslim youths questioned him, and an argument ensued, leading to them hitting the shopkeeper," Bengaluru Police said.

The police further said that an FIR has been registered at Halasuru Gate Police Limit, and the police are working to arrest the accused. The police said that further investigation was underway.

(With Agency Inputs)