Tension Grips Chikkamagaluru After Stone Pelting Incident Involving Minors
Tension prevailed in Chikkamagaluru city on Monday after two minors were apprehended by right-wing activists for allegedly pelting stones at a residential house. The incident, which occurred in the Vijayanagar area during the early morning hours, quickly escalated into a broader community conflict, prompting police intervention and the registration of multiple cases.
Details of the Alleged Stone Pelting Incident
According to police reports, the two minors were caught by activists associated with the Bajrang Dal and subsequently handed over to the Basavanahalli police station. The activists accused the minors of repeatedly targeting a specific house in the neighborhood over the past few days. Gagan, the resident of the house, stated that the stone pelting incidents had been ongoing, with the minors allegedly targeting the property when his relative, Sudha, was alone at home.
Sudha provided a detailed account, explaining that stones were thrown at her house on multiple occasions. When her family confronted the accused minors, they reportedly behaved rudely, prompting Sudha to file an official complaint. Based on her complaint, police booked the minors under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, for attempted robbery and intentional insult.
Escalation and Counter-Case Registration
The situation intensified soon after the minors were taken into custody. Leaders from the Muslim community and right-wing activists gathered near the police station, engaging in a heated argument with Bajrang Dal members. This confrontation led to the registration of a counter-case against Shyam and Santosh Kotian, who are associated with the Bajrang Dal.
Right-wing activists questioned the counter-case, arguing that they had merely handed over the accused minors to police custody. However, members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) alleged that the activists had assaulted the two minors during the apprehension. While condemning the stone pelting, SDPI representatives emphasized that any assault on the minors was unacceptable and called for appropriate legal action against the perpetrators.
Police Response and Current Status
Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Dayama confirmed that two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in connection with the incident. One FIR addresses the alleged stone pelting by the minors, while the other pertains to the counter-case against the Bajrang Dal activists. Dayama assured that a thorough investigation is underway to ascertain all facts and ensure justice.
The two minors involved in the stone pelting allegations are currently receiving medical treatment at a government hospital. Police officials have confirmed that their condition is stable and they are out of danger. The community remains on edge as authorities work to maintain peace and resolve the underlying tensions.
This incident highlights the fragile social dynamics in the region, where minor disputes can quickly escalate into larger conflicts involving community groups and activist organizations. The police have urged all parties to exercise restraint and allow the legal process to unfold without further disruption.
