Belagavi: The Karnataka Police has denied any attempt by members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to attack Col Sofiya Qureshi or her family members at Gokak Taluk in Belagavi. This is in response to a fake news being circulated on social media platforms.
Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh represented the Indian Army and Indian Air Force during the media briefings by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during Operation Sindoor.
The post, made by one Anees Uddin, has claimed that Col Qureshi and her son were assaulted and their house set on fire by a mob that raised hate slogans. Another user called it a hate strike by the RSS. The attack allegedly took place at 3 am after which the Colonel and her family were moved to Delhi under Army protection.
Belagavi superintendent of police Dr Bhimashankar Guled has said that this is a fabricated story. There has been no attack on the Colonel or his family. They have now been provided police protection. The social media post originated from outside the country and the police are trying to identify the people involved.
“We are urging people not to circulate this post further. We may take action if that happens,” the police said.
The RSS said that this was an attempt to tarnish its image. “We have immense respect for the Indian armed forces. We have immense respect for Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh, who have done a tremendous job. Why would we even think of attacking her,” an RSS leader said.
The police have, meanwhile, urged the family to refrain from unnecessary public interactions while the matter is being investigated. Col Qureshi is married to Col Tajuddin Bagewadi and they have a son. Her father-in-law Gausasab Bagewadi lives in the Konnur village in the Gokak Taluk.
