A stone-pelting incident occurred in Bagalkot city, Karnataka, on Friday, despite prohibitory orders in place, leading to a police lathi-charge to disperse the mob. The incident involved a group targeting butcher and meat shops, escalating into stone pelting. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged for peace amidst the tension and condemned the events.
Prohibitory orders were enforced in Bagalkot city following the tension sparked by a previous stone-pelting incident during the Shivaji Jayanti procession. The recent incident took place in the Killa Oni area during the procession near a mosque, prompting police to impose Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in specific localities.
Hindu activists called for a shutdown of shops and establishments in protest, with some engaging in arguments with the police. Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal led efforts to control the situation on the ground. BJP Rajya Sabha Member Narayansa Bandage appealed for non-violence and urged the crowd to disperse.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the stone-pelting incident, emphasizing the need for social peace and harmony. He instructed a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible. Several arrests have been made in connection with the incident, with ongoing interrogations.
State Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur assured that actions are being taken to address the situation and prevent harm to the public. He highlighted the need for peace among all religious communities and emphasized the importance of living together harmoniously. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka expressed concerns over religious restrictions and questioned the government’s stance on communal incidents.
