Following Congress candidate Syed Naseer Hussain's victory in the Rajya Sabha election on February 28, a disturbing video surfaced on social media purportedly showing a mob of party supporters chanting 'Pakistan Zindabad.'
Now, forensic experts have corroborated these claims, as per a report by India Today. The investigation of the footage revealed pro-Pakistan slogans being shouted during celebrations within the Karnataka Assembly following the Congress candidate's triumph.
The forensic analysis detected the presence of pro-Pakistan slogans both audibly and visually in the footage, dismissing any assertions of tampering.
On February 29, the Karnataka police had already apprehended Mohmad Shafi Naashipudi in connection with the incident. Anshukumar, Superintendent of Police for Haveri, confirmed the detention of the suspect, identified as Mohmad Shafiq Naashipudi.
While one individual was questioned by Bengaluru police in relation to the incident, they were subsequently released. Anshukumar elaborated, “On February 27, a case was registered in the Vidhana Soudha police station related to the pro-Pakistan slogans raised in the Karnataka Assembly. In this case, a suspect, Mohmad Shafiq Naashipudi, has been detained by the Bengaluru police.”
Although voice recordings from several individuals were obtained for forensic scrutiny, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the forensic report was pending. He affirmed, "as soon as the report comes, we will take strict action. Action has already been taken on seven people."
The situation escalated significantly on February 28 when a shopkeeper from Byadagi reportedly raised pro-Pakistani slogans while celebrating Syed Naseer Hussain's electoral victory at the Vidhana Soudha.
On February 29, the state cabinet reviewed the forensic report. During deliberations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised the security measures at Vidhana Soudha and questioned the admission of numerous individuals into the premises.
In response to the incident, the Congress government faced fierce criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Leading a protest march titled 'Raj Bhavan Chalo' on February 29, BJP MLAs demanded the removal of the Congress government citing concerns over the state's deteriorating law and order situation. R Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition, spearheaded the demonstration.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for a thorough investigation into the matter and has warned of severe consequences if it is confirmed that the phrase "Pakistan Zindabad" was indeed uttered.
Despite attempts to downplay the incident, local police initiated an inquiry, corroborating the authenticity of the contentious video clip. The controversy erupted following the Karnataka Congress's triumph in securing three Rajya Sabha seats on February 26, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to secure one seat after one of its MLAs cross-voted in favour of the ruling party in the state.