Massive Protest in Bagalkot Demands Action Over Shivaji Jayanti Incident
The city of Bagalkot witnessed a significant and tense demonstration as members of the Hindu Samrakshana Samiti, along with various affiliated groups, gathered in large numbers at Navanagar. The protest unfolded directly in front of the district administrative complex, drawing a massive crowd despite prior police advisories that discouraged public participation.
Core Demands and 15-Day Ultimatum
The primary focus of the agitation centered on the controversial Pankha Mosque. Protesters vociferously demanded its immediate sealing and the arrest of its management committee members. This call to action stems from an alleged incident where a Shivaji Jayanti procession was reportedly targeted with stone-pelting and footwear-throwing recently. The organizers of the protest issued a firm 15-day deadline to the district administration, warning that failure to act within this stipulated period would lead to a significant intensification of their agitation.
Leaders Criticize Administration and Police
From the protest dais, leaders launched sharp criticisms against both the district administration and the local police department. They accused these authorities of a consistent failure to take decisive action, which they claim has allowed such incidents to recur. Ullas, a state leader of the Hindu Jagaran Vedike (HJV), pointed to a pattern of similar disturbances over the past two years, squarely blaming the state government's alleged inaction for emboldening miscreants. He argued that stricter measures during earlier incidents elsewhere in the state could have prevented the current situation in Bagalkot.
Advocate Prashant Pawar leveled serious allegations against the police, claiming they did not register a First Information Report (FIR) within the legally mandated 24 hours after receiving a complaint. He further accused the authorities of protecting those responsible for the stone-pelting while indiscriminately serving notices on others. Drawing a pointed comparison, he referenced police actions during the DJ Halli and KJ Halli violence in Bengaluru, questioning what he termed "selective enforcement." Pawar also alleged that the authorities were suppressing dissent by filing cases against speakers and branding their speeches as provocative.
Political Presence and Official Response
The protest saw the attendance of several prominent political figures, including MLA Aravind Bellad, MP P C Gaddigoudar, and Rajya Sabha member Narayan Bhandage, alongside other local legislators and leaders. In response to the gathering, district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and other senior officers, arrived at the venue to formally receive a memorandum detailing the protesters' demands.
Warnings and Resolve for Continued Agitation
Shrikant Hosakere, the HJV north zone co-convener, reiterated the critical 15-day deadline, issuing a clear warning that the community would mount a strong and determined response if their demands continued to be ignored. All speakers at the event uniformly voiced strong condemnation of the state government and police, demanding immediate and concrete action against those allegedly involved in the incident. The protest concluded with organizers firmly reiterating their unwavering resolve to continue the agitation until their demands are fully met, signaling potential for further unrest if the administration does not respond.
