Hindutva Activist with a History of Hate Speeches, Seeks Refuge in Muslim Woman’s Home to Evade Arrest

Chaitra Kundapura, a prominent figure known for anti-Muslim rhetoric and right-wing activism, allegedly sought refuge in the home of Suraiyya Anjum, a Muslim Congress leader, as Karnataka police closed in on her. This unexpected turn of events unveils a convoluted tale of hate speech, deceit, and a desperate attempt to evade law enforcement. Chaitra was apprehended following a complaint filed by Hindu businessman Govind Babu Pujari, who accused Chaitra and her associates of orchestrating an elaborate scheme resulting in substantial financial loss.

Chaitra Kundapura’s controversial history predates this recent incident, marked by provocative speeches often delivered at events organized by right-wing groups like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). These speeches have garnered both fervent supporters and vocal critics, solidifying her polarizing reputation. Her social media profiles are filled with images from rallies against the Muslim community, public outreach initiatives, and advocacy efforts. She also authored a book on the contentious topic of “love jihad,” titled “Prema Pasha,” which translates to ‘love noose’.

The saga began in June 2022 when Govind Babu, a Bengaluru resident, crossed paths with Chaitra. She promised him a BJP ticket for the Byndoor constituency in the Assembly elections. Govind Babu was then introduced to Gagan Kadur, the Chikkamagalur Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) secretary, who claimed to have influential connections within high-ranking political offices.

The plot thickened as Govind met Vishwanath, presented as a prominent RSS leader residing in north India, who assured Govind of his pivotal role in securing the BJP ticket, but demanded a substantial financial commitment in return. Govind complied, parting with a sum of Rs 50 lakh. The News Minute reported.

According to the complaint, Chaitra orchestrated conference calls with Vishwanath falsely affirming Govind’s candidacy, citing the support of influential BJP leaders. This pattern continued, leading Govind to meet the Hire Hadagali Abhinava Halasri math seer, who allegedly held sway with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The seer demanded an exorbitant Rs 1.5 crore for his endorsement, which Govind paid in early 2023.

Further demands for Rs 3 crore came from an individual presented as a member of the BJP’s central election committee. Once again, Govind complied and transferred the funds to Chaitra and her associates.

On March 8, 2023, Govind grew suspicious upon learning of Vishwanath’s untimely demise. He later discovered that Vishwanath was an impersonator named Ramesh, paid Rs 1.2 lakh for his role. The supposed BJP committee member turned out to be a kabab vendor in Bengaluru’s KR Puram.

On April 24, Govind summoned Chaitra and Gagan to his office and demanded the return of his money. They claimed Rs 3.5 crore was with Vishwanath. When Govind threatened to file a complaint, Chaitra allegedly threatened him with a staged suicide attempt, and requested more time to return the money. Subsequently, Govind filed a complaint with Bengaluru’s Bandepalya police station. The Special Inquiry wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) initiated an investigation based on Govind’s complaint.

According to police sources, when the law came knocking, Chaitra considered the household of Suraiyya Anjum, a youth Congress leader in Udupi and former colleague from a news channel, as the “safest” place. CCB authorities served a notice to Anjum, urging her to clarify her position before the investigating officer.

However, Anjum refuted the allegations of sheltering Chaitra at her home. She stated, “Why would I shelter her at my house? I haven’t met her in years,” and emphasized that she hadn’t received any summons from the police.

CCB authorities received a tip-off leading them to Chaitra Kundapura’s location at the Krishna Math in Udupi on Tuesday night. She was discovered in the parking area and apprehended by the police, along with her associates, Gagan Kadur and Srikanth Nayak Pelattur. During the arrest, Chaitra attempted to swallow a finger ring but was thwarted by policewomen. She was promptly transported to Bengaluru and is now in judicial custody for ten days.