The Bengaluru Police on Monday registered a suo moto case against controversial Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik for an alleged hate speech, The News Minute reported. On Sunday, Muthalik is believed to have said there will be “bloodshed” if any Islamic practices were conducted on Hindu premises in the future.

His statement was allegedly a reaction to Udupi Sri Krishna Temple’s seer Sri Vishvesha Teertha Swami’s decision to host an iftar party for Muslims within the temple premises as part of its “Souharda Upahara Koota” programme.

“Muthalik delivered hate speeches that have hurt the sentiments of a specific community,” an unofficial High Grounds police officer was quoted as saying. Muthalik is believed to have demanded that the temple be “cleansed” as it had “harboured Muslims in its premises”.

The temple’s priest, however, has dismissed the threats. “I will not react to Pramod Muthalik’s statement,” the seer said. “Those opposing the iftar do not know the shastras well enough.”