Tension in Karnataka's Bhatkal after stones allegedly hurled at mosque, madrasa
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Karwar: Tension was reported in Bhatkal in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district after unidentified persons allegedly pelted stones at a mosque and an Arabic madrasa during a Ganesh idol immersion procession on Wednesday night, September 16.
The incident took place on Gulmi Railway Station Road when a public Ganesh immersion procession was passing through the area after starting from Taland. The procession had crossed the Gulmi railway bridge and was proceeding towards the railway station when stones were allegedly thrown at the Ismail Sunni Jamiya Mosque and the Tajus-Sunna Arabic Madrasa, both located on the ground floor of a building.
According to a complaint filed at Bhatkal Town Police Station, two windowpanes of the building were damaged in the incident. Abdul Alim, a local resident, approached the police and sought action against those responsible for the alleged stone-pelting.
Following the incident, a group of local Muslims gathered outside the police station and demanded the immediate arrest of those involved.
Police officials held discussions with the gathering and assured them that an investigation would be conducted, the persons responsible would be identified and those found involved would be arrested.
Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan MN visited the spot after being informed about the incident and inspected the area. He also interacted with local residents and took stock of the situation.
The SP assured the residents that necessary action would be taken against those responsible after they were identified. Following the assurance, the gathering dispersed from outside the police station.
Police have launched an investigation into the alleged stone-pelting and are examining CCTV footage and other available evidence to identify those involved. Officials are also collecting information about the movement of the procession and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Additional police personnel have been deployed in Bhatkal as a precautionary measure. Senior officers are monitoring the situation and efforts are underway to prevent any further disturbance.
Police sources said the investigation would determine whether the stone-pelting was deliberate and establish the identity of those responsible based on the available evidence.
Authorities have appealed to residents to maintain peace and refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation is underway.
The incident occurred amid the ongoing Ganesh festival, during which idol immersion processions are being held in several parts of Karnataka. Police have stepped up security in sensitive areas to ensure that processions pass peacefully and to prevent incidents that could trigger tension between communities.
With IANS inputs