Temple Dispute Escalates into Violent Clash in Haveri Villages
A violent confrontation erupted on Thursday between residents of Hireyadachi and Kyatanakere villages in Hirekerur taluk, Haveri district, over a contentious temple issue. The clash involved intense stone pelting that resulted in injuries to more than 10 individuals and significant damage to property, including over 10 motorcycles and a JCB machine.
Roots of the Conflict: A Decades-Old Temple Dispute
The violence stems from a deep-seated dispute concerning the historically significant Guddada Durgamma temple, which has been a point of contention between the two neighboring villages since 1999. Both communities have long claimed ownership and rights over the temple, leading to periodic tensions.
The immediate trigger for Thursday's clash was the construction of a new temple adjacent to the old one by Hireyadachi villagers. This construction was initiated in anticipation of the Durgamma Devi festival, scheduled to begin on March 9, with the aim of preempting potential disputes during the celebrations.
Escalation and Violence
Kyatanakere villagers raised objections to the construction, questioning whether proper permissions had been obtained and suggesting that any new temple should be built within their own village instead. What began as a verbal disagreement quickly spiraled into physical violence, with both sides engaging in stone pelting.
The confrontation left more than 10 people with injuries of varying severity. Additionally, the violent exchange caused substantial damage to vehicles, with reports indicating that over 10 bikes were vandalized and a JCB machine was also damaged in the incident.
Police Response and Arrests
Local law enforcement responded promptly to the scene, detaining several individuals involved in the clash. Police officials have confirmed they are reviewing video evidence from the incident to identify and apprehend all perpetrators.
Lakshman Shirakol, Additional Superintendent of Police for Haveri, provided details on the situation: "The temple dispute between Hireyadachi and Kyatanakere villages has been ongoing since 1999, with locals from both villages claiming the temple belongs to their community."
Shirakol confirmed that police have arrested 10 villagers from Kyatanakere in connection with the violence. "We will initiate action against those involved in this clash without any relaxation," he stated firmly, emphasizing that the authorities would pursue legal measures against all responsible parties.
Current Situation and Security Measures
Following the police intervention, the situation has been brought under control with no further reports of violence. Authorities have maintained a visible presence at the site to prevent any resurgence of hostilities.
The area remains calm as police continue their investigation and maintain vigilance to ensure peace between the two villages. The incident highlights the challenges of resolving long-standing community disputes and the importance of preventive measures during religious festivals and construction activities in sensitive areas.
