Ink attack on Kannada writer

Kannada writer Yogesh Master, who is said to have hurt the sentiments of Hindus with his 2013 novel "Dhundi was the victim of an ink attack by a group of suspected right-wing activists.

The event unfolded on Sunday in the Karnataka town of Davangere, where Master attended a book release event. The writer was reportedly surrounded by an aggressive group who smeared his face with black ink.

In a police complaint, Master said that he was attacked by a group shouting "Jai Shri Ram" after the conclusion of the event. The event was organised by journalist Gauri Lankesh to remember the birth anniversary of late journalist P Lankesh. At least eight people were involved in the attack on the writer.

Davangere Superintendent of Police B.S. Guled said that the writer has alleged that right wing activists were behind the attack and that two people have been detained. The accused were identified as Chethan, 21, an autorickshaw driver, and Shivarprasad, 26, who works in a local printing press.

Master told The Hindu that he was attacked while having tea with friends after the programme. The men who jumped at him were buying some books nearby.

"The gang raised pro-Hindu and right-wing slogans, and threatened to kill me for writing against Hindu Gods. They used foul language and pulled my hair. It was a physical attack that left a deep mental impact," he said, adding that he could easily identify most of the men.

Master was arrested in 2013 after a complaint was filed against him for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Hindus by depicting Lord Ganesha in poor light in his novel "Dhundi".

--IANS

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