Karnataka: Karsevak Shrikanth Pujari Walks Out On Bail, Says Will Attend Ram Temple Consecration Event

Last week, Shrikanth Pujari was arrested for alleged involvement in the riots after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.

Shrikanth Pujari, who was granted bail by the court in Hubballi, was welcomed by VHP leaders upon his release on bail from Hubbali Sub Jail on Saturday. Last week, Shrikanth Pujari was arrested for alleged involvement in the riots after Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.

Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders reached Hubbali Sub Jail to welcome Shrikanth Pujari, who was granted bail by the court in Hubballi. 

After his release, Shrikanth Pujari said, he would visit Ayodhya to attend Pran-Pratishtha (consecration of Ram temple) on January 19. According to ANI, Shrikanth Pujari said, "...Police did not give me a warrant before arresting me...I will visit Ayodhya on 19th January to attend the Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Temple..."

Shrikanth Poojary, whom the BJP identified as a 'karsevak,' was arrested last week in connection with a case of violence in Hubballi, North Karnataka, dating back to December 1992. The police stated that the arrest was a routine procedure aimed at locating individuals accused in long-pending cases.

Responding to BJP members opposing the arrest, the Chief Minister said, "If any BJP leaders have a little wisdom, they should please read out the list of charges against this person from Hubballi and then decide whether to fight for him. Since Hindus are the majority in the population, they are also the majority in prisons. Does that mean BJP should fight for all of them because they belong to the Hindu religion.”

Apart from 1991, he was also reportedly charged with rioting in 2001 and 2014.