Arrow Gesture At Muslim Dargah: Case Filed Against Hindutva Leader Harshita Thakur
The Belagavi Rural Police have registered a criminal case against seven people, including Maharashtra-based Hindutva leader Harshita Thakur, following a controversial incident during a religious procession linked to the Akhanda Hindu Sammelana near Machhe village.
The incident took place on Sunday evening, January 18, when a procession was moving along the Belagavi–Khanapur Road towards Machhe.
As the procession passed through Peeranwadi, near the Ansari Dargah, Harshita Thakur was allegedly seen standing on top of a vehicle and making repeated gestures that appeared to mimic shooting an arrow towards the dargah. People accompanying her were reportedly seen clapping and cheering.
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Videos of the incident quickly spread on social media, drawing public attention and concern.
According to police sources, the vehicle carrying Thakur was allegedly stopped near the dargah, after which the gestures were made. Police personnel present at the spot intervened immediately and ensured the situation did not escalate.
A formal complaint was filed by Abdul Khader Abdulrehman Mujawar, a resident of Peeranwadi. He alleged that the gestures and speeches during the procession were provocative and could hurt religious sentiments and disturb communal harmony.
Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR on Monday against seven individuals, including her and the organisers of the event.
The case includes charges related to hurting religious sentiments and promoting enmity between communities. The other accused have been identified as Supreet Simpi, Shrikant Kambale, Bettappa Tarihal, Shivaji Shahapurkar, Gangaram Tarihal, and Mallappa, all residents of Belagavi.
Police officials said that the procession was taken out ahead of the Akhanda Hindu Sammelana and that the incident occurred while passing a religious place of another community.
Civil society groups and watchdog platforms, including Hate Detectors, shared videos of the incident on X, raising concerns over provocative acts during religious events.
