Soft attitude of BJP govt encouraging moral brigade: Congress

"Soft attitude of the state government is encouraging these elements...The culprits should be given stringent punishment," Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Siddaramaiah told the House.

The Congress leader termed the incident as an "inhuman and barbaric act".

Over 12 students, including girls, partying at a homestay on the outskirts of Mangalore Saturday were targetted by alleged 'Hindu Jagarana Vedike' activists, who accused them of indulging in "immoral activities". TV footage showed them misbehaving with the girls and assaulting some of them.

Recalling some acts of moral policing including the infamous pub attack in Mangalore in 2009 and attacks on churches in the coastal region, Siddaramaiah said had the government taken stern action and punished the guilty, the latest incident would not have happened.

 

The issue was also sought to be raised in the Legislative Council by Congress and JDS members prior to Question Hour but Chairman D H Shankaramurthy rejected it, saying the matter could be taken up later.

Protesting his decision, Congress members trooped to the well of the House, raising slogans against the BJP government and forcing a 10-minute-long adjournment.

Earlier, Leader of the House V Somanna backed Shankaramurthy's decision, saying, "No doubt it is a very serious matter and it has to be discussed...The attack on girls in Mangalore is a heinous crime and the culprits should be brought to book. The government will ensure strict action and the culprits are punished."

Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the government was not against discussion.