Amarinder seeks probe into attack on Sikh in Karnataka

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today urged his Karnataka counterpart H D Kumaraswamy to ensure a thorough inquiry and stern action against the culprits involved in the alleged attack on a Sikh man in Gulbarga over "fake WhatsApp news".

Taking serious note of the incident, Chief Minister Singh in a tweet asked Kumaraswamy to direct police officials to book the accused under the most stringent provisions of the Indian Penal Code and launch a detailed probe into the incident.

"Just heard about mob attack on a Sikh in Gulbarga on suspicion of being child lifter following fake Whatsapp news. Request you Shri @hd_kumaraswamy ji to ensure stringent action against culprits, and full protection for Sikh community and their religious rights in your state(sic)," Amarinder Singh said.

In a statement issued later, the Punjab chief minister expressed concern over the incident and urged Kumaraswamy to ensure protection for the community and steps to create awareness among the locals about the religious rights of the Sikhs.

He also urged Kumaraswamy to identify and take action against the perpetrators of the fake WhatsApp news.

Avtar Singh was reportedly thrashed by a mob on suspicion of being a child lifter following fake "WhatsApp forwards" about people from certain states coming to Karnataka and abducting children, and also harvesting their organs.