Tension remained high in Karnataka’s Bagalkot city on Friday after stone pelting took place during the Shivaji Jayanti procession a day earlier. Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the incident and the Karnataka Police has deployed additional force in the city while also imposing prohibitory orders.
However, despite tightened security, fresh stone-pelting occurred on Friday and the cops resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mob. It was reported that butcher and meat shops were targeted by a group of people who suddenly appeared and started throwing stones.
The first incident of stone pelting happened on Thursday when the Shivaji Jayanti procession was passing through the Killa Oni area and was crossing a mosque.
The police immediately issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in three localities, namely Old Bagalkot, Navanagar and Vidyagiri.
CM issues warning, appeals for peace
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued an appeal for peace and has condemned the violence.
“The incident of stone pelting reported in Bagalkote is unfortunate. I appeal to all citizens to maintain peace and harmony. The police have taken swift action and have already made arrests. They are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the incident and all those responsible. Strict action will be taken against the perpetrators, irrespective of who they are. I urge everyone not to fall prey to rumours or provocation. Let us stand together to preserve peace and communal harmony in our state,” the CM stated in an X post.
In a separate post, the CM warned: “Providing a fearless and peaceful life to the people of the state is our first priority. We will not tolerate any individual or force that disrupts the people’s peace and tranquility.”
The police said they have registered a suo motu case and an FIR is being lodged.
Those arrested have been identified as 25-year-old Tanveer Havaldar, 22-year-old Saddam, Majju Kamatagi, 24-year-old Fayaz, 33-year-old Sarfaraz, Chavoos, Riyan Sheik, Wasim Sheik and 29-year-old Ayaan Guledagudda.
What Hindu activists have alleged
Protesting the stone-pelting incident, Hindu activists called for a shutdown in the city today. The agitated activists also indulged in a verbal altercation with police.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Narayansa Bandage tried to persuade the activists to remain calm and not indulge in any violence.
The activists also claimed that stone-pelting on the procession was premeditated as despite it being a Thursday, around 200 people had gathered at the mosque.
The activists have demanded that the police must arrest all accused by Saturday evening and added that they would decide on their future course of action after the deadline.
Police have tightened security arrangements in the city, and additional security personnel have been deployed near the Panka Mosque, surrounding areas and the Kottaleshwara temple.
Police said one person was injured in the stone-pelting and they are checking videos from the area to ascertain from where the stones were thrown.
CM should not test patience, says BJP
Reacting to the development, the opposition BJP has expressed outrage and said CM Siddaramaiah should not test the patience of the Hindu community.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra posted on X: “The Chief Minister should not test the patience of the Hindu community. There can be no silence when it comes to our revered icons and the pride of our land.”
“The hooliganism involving stone-pelting and hurling of slippers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj procession in Bagalkot is highly condemnable and a despicable act. Under this appeasement-driven and misgoverned Tughlaq-style government in Karnataka, law and order has completely collapsed, and anti-social elements disturbing peace appear to have received patronage,” he added.