Bagalkot on High Alert as Hindu Horata Samiti Plans Protest Over Shivaji Jayanti Stone-Pelting
The Hindu Horata Samiti is set to hold a significant protest on Thursday in Bagalkot, demanding the immediate arrest of individuals involved in a stone-pelting incident during the Shivaji Jayanti procession. This development has prompted local authorities to implement extensive security measures across the city to prevent any potential unrest.
Background and Demands of the Protest
The protest stems from an incident on February 19, where stones were thrown during a Shivaji Jayanti procession. Hindu organizations have specifically called for the arrest of the president and members of the Pankha Mosque, whom they allege were connected to the event. Initially, the protest was planned to take place in front of the Amba Bhavani Temple in the Killa area. However, due to prohibitory orders that have been extended until February 28, the venue has been shifted to the district administration office premises. Notably, prohibitory orders were lifted in Navanagar, allowing the protest to proceed as scheduled, beginning at 10:30 AM.
Comprehensive Security Arrangements by Police
In response to the planned protest, police have deployed over 1,500 personnel to ensure law and order. Key security measures include:
- Setting up barricades at strategic locations such as the Old Bagalkot Police Outpost, the old post office, the Pankha Mosque, and the Kothaleshwar Temple.
- Conducting thorough checks on all individuals entering the protest area.
- Installing additional CCTV cameras in the Killa area to monitor activities.
- Deploying a special task force from Mangaluru, with more than 50 officers assisting in security operations.
- Overseeing security with a team of five Superintendents of Police (SPs), 12 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 32 Circle Police Inspectors (CPIs), and 75 Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs).
Police will closely monitor Old Bagalkot, Navanagar, and Vidyagiri, with additional forces stationed at the district administration office where the protest is to be held. To further maintain peace, the sale of liquor in the city has been banned from midnight on February 25 to midnight on February 26.
Legal Actions and Broader Implications
In related developments, a police complaint has been filed against 10 people, including Siddhaling Swamiji, the state president of the Shiv Sena party, for allegedly making provocative statements. Across Bagalkot and surrounding areas such as Mudhol, Banahatti, Jamkhandi, Guledagudda, and Mahalingpur, authorities have registered 10 First Information Reports (FIRs) and 27 Preventive Action Reports (PARs). Those booked include administrators of social media groups, highlighting efforts to curb inflammatory content online.
The police also conducted a route march on Wednesday to instill confidence among citizens, demonstrating their preparedness. This protest underscores ongoing tensions in the region following the Shivaji Jayanti incident, with both community groups and law enforcement taking proactive steps to address the situation.
