Kodagu: Three persons were arrested in and around Suntikoppa town for celebrating Pakistan’s comprehensive victory over India in Champions Trophy final in London on June 18 by bursting crackers and shouting pro-Pakistan slogans.

Most Indians expected India to win the final game. But the Pakistani team outplayed India and dominated all the sessions to register victory. Soon after Pakistan’s victory, many people arrived in cars, bikes and assembled at a circle that connects to 7th Hosakote Kallukore, Kallur, Andagove villages where certain people were seen bursting crackers, shouting slogans favouring Pakistan.

Riyaz, son of local GP member Abdul Samad and Jabir were nabbed by the Suntikoppa police for bursting crackers and celebrating Pakistan’s victory over India under section 295 (a) based on the complaint filed by local BJP leaders Ramesh Chengappa and Jeevan. They were later produced in the court on charges of inciting communal tension and friction between communities. Another accused Muneer is absconding.

Kushalnagar DySP Sampath Kumar, Circle inspector Kyategowda, Suntikoppa station Inspector H S Bojappa, led the police team and filed a case.

Terming them as traitors, Kodagu district BJP President B B Bharatish told reporters that such anti-national forces must be nipped in the bud and demanded serious action against the accused citing previous incidents of Pak flag hoisting over a mosque, providing hide-out for Nazir to make bombs and a temple attack.

Zilla Panchayat member Latif pleaded forgiveness on behalf of those involved in the celebrations, stating India is a safe nation for all Muslims considering violent attacks on mosques in the neighbourhood and urged the police to be liberal and let them go. VHP District Secretary D Narasimha, leader Nanaiah, Kushalanagar town BJP President P R Sunil Kumar and villagers refused to buy Latif’s version and vehemently opposed it.