BAGALKOT: At least eight people have been arrested following communal tensions in Bagalkot’s old town during a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti procession on Friday. The unrest began when stones were reportedly pelted as the rally passed near the Panka Masjid area. Hindu activist Prakash Arakeri sustained head injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital, while SP Siddharth Goyal and a police constable sustained minor injuries during the commotion.
Amidst the chaos, miscreants set fire to three vegetable pushcarts in a nearby market, resulting in the loss of cash and commodities. A local vendor named Jannatabi was seen in distress after losing her daily earnings and stock in the fire. In response to the violence, Assistant Commissioner Santosh Jagalasara has issued a prohibition order under Section 163 of BNSS, effective until the midnight of February 24. Hindu activists have condemned the incident and warned of a district-wide bandh if all culprits are not apprehended immediately. The police confirmed that the situation is now under control with heavy security deployment across the city. (TOI)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com