Bhatkal Murinakatte Dispute Resolved; Structure to Be Rebuilt at Original Location
Consensus reached after meetings involving administration, police, NHAI officials and Hindu organizations; reconstruction plan to be finalized soon.
Bhatkal: The controversy surrounding the Murinakatte structure in Bhatkal amid the widening of National Highway 66 has been resolved, with authorities deciding to reconstruct the structure at its original location within the road divider area, Member of Parliament Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri announced on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference in Bhatkal, Kageri said the decision was taken following a series of discussions involving the district administration, taluk administration, police department, officials of the National Highways Authority of India, and representatives of various Hindu organizations.
The Murinakatte structure had been relocated and rebuilt at a nearby site on May 24 as part of the ongoing highway expansion project. However, it was allegedly demolished by some individuals later the same day, leading to widespread public concern and political debate.
According to Kageri, the decision to reconstruct the structure at its original site was made after carefully considering religious sentiments while ensuring traffic safety. The proposed structure is expected to cover approximately 120 square feet and measure around seven feet in length. Authorities will also provide necessary safety measures, lighting, and other basic infrastructure facilities.
He said officials have been directed to prepare the required technical and legal framework, and a final blueprint for the reconstruction is expected to be ready within the next few days.
Responding to questions regarding the protest called by Hindu organizations on June 5, Kageri stated that peaceful protests are a democratic right and that social issues should be addressed through constructive public participation.
Former MLA Sunil Naik welcomed the decision to rebuild the structure but called for a thorough investigation into the incidents of assault and violence reported during the controversy. He urged authorities to take action against those responsible while ensuring that innocent individuals are not subjected to harassment.BJP leader Govind Naik emphasized the need to prevent similar incidents in the future and to preserve peace, communal harmony, and mutual trust among communities.
Earlier in the day, Kageri, Sunil Naik, and other BJP leaders visited the site along with NHAI officials and reviewed the proposed reconstruction plan.