Two individuals, identified as Inayath and Syed Mubarak, have been arrested by Bengaluru police for allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans during an India vs Australia T20 match. Efforts are underway to apprehend two other suspects involved in the incident. The Indian Express reported
The Bengaluru police have apprehended two individuals, namely Inayath, aged 28, and Syed Mubarak, aged 25, who were allegedly responsible for raising pro-Pakistan slogans during a T20 cricket match between India and Australia. These individuals reside in New Gurappana Palya in Bengaluru.
The incident occurred at approximately 10.30 pm on Friday at Mockaholic Pub in J P Nagar’s 1st Phase. The pub had organized a live screening of the fourth T20 match between India and Australia. After the match concluded, one of the patrons shouted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Victory to Mother India), while three to four individuals sitting at the adjacent table responded by shouting “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long Live Pakistan), as reported by Sudhir Singh, the pub manager.
A verbal altercation ensued between the patrons, with others objecting to the pro-Pakistan slogans. Amidst the chaos, two men managed to flee the scene, while Inayath and Mubarak were apprehended by the patrolling police officers, who subsequently took them to the police station.
Authorities are currently making efforts to apprehend the third suspect, Althaf, who remains at large, as well as an unidentified individual involved in the incident.
The J P Nagar police have registered a case against the accused individuals under sections 153(a) and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 153(a) pertains to promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., while section 505(2) deals with making the publication and circulation of content that may incite ill-will or hatred between different groups an offense.
It is important to note that this incident has sparked concerns about communal harmony and nationalistic sentiments. The police are taking necessary actions to ensure the situation is handled appropriately and to prevent any further escalation..