Police in Karnataka's Gadag district have taken swift action against online threats made towards a senior state minister. A 63-year-old man has been apprehended for allegedly posting a video on social media in which he issued a death threat against district minister HK Patil.
The Arrest and the Accused
According to Gadag Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagadeesh, the arrest was made by officials from the Betgeri Extension police station. The individual taken into custody is Veeranna P Beelagi, a 63-year-old resident of Sudi village in the Ron taluk. The arrest was executed on Friday, following the registration of a formal complaint.
The case originated when Congress functionary BB Asuti approached the Betgeri Extension police station and filed a complaint on December 14. The police acted promptly, registering a First Information Report (FIR) on the very same day based on the allegations.
Nature of the Threat and Investigation
Sources within the police station revealed the severe nature of the threats made in the video. The accused, Veeranna P Beelagi, allegedly threatened to assassinate Minister HK Patil using an AK-47 rifle. The video was publicly posted on his personal Facebook page, amplifying the reach and seriousness of the threat.
Furthermore, the police investigation indicates that the suspect's online rant was not limited to Minister Patil. He is also accused of posting derogatory comments aimed at a wide array of political leaders. The list includes the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, the MP from Davanagere, and prominent national Congress figures such as Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The Gadag police have confirmed that the case is under active investigation. The arrest of Beelagi marks a critical first step in the legal process. Authorities are now delving deeper into the circumstances surrounding the video, the intent behind the posts, and ensuring all aspects of the law are applied.
This incident highlights the increasing vigilance of law enforcement against threats made on digital platforms, especially those targeting public officials. The use of social media to issue violent threats is treated with utmost seriousness, and this arrest serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences awaiting such actions.
The police have not disclosed further details about the motive at this stage, stating that the probe is continuing to uncover all facts related to the case.
