Davanagere, June 13 -- A fresh controversy erupted in Karnataka after police registered an FIR against noted rationalist writer and retired professor K. S. Bhagawan over alleged remarks on Lord Ram, Hindu deities and Hindu scriptures, triggering a renewed debate over religious sentiments and freedom of expression.
The Harihara Rural Police in Davanagere district booked Bhagawan following a complaint that comments made during a public programme on June 9 insulted Hindu beliefs and had the potential to disturb communal harmony.
According to police, the complaint was lodged by Dinesh, a resident of KR Nagar in Harihar, who alleged that Bhagawan made controversial statements while addressing a gathering organised by the Karnataka Dalit Sangha...