Stone Pelting Reported at Masjid and Madrasa During Ganesh Visarjan Procession in Bhatkal
Hundreds gather outside police station seeking prompt action; police register case against unidentified persons
Bhatkal: Tension was reported in Bhatkal following an alleged stone pelting incident targeting a masjid and an adjoining madrasa during a Ganesh idol immersion procession on Wednesday night.
Following the incident, hundreds of members of the Muslim community gathered outside the Bhatkal Town Police Station and demanded the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible. Police have registered a case against unidentified persons and launched an investigation. Additional police personnel have also been deployed as a precautionary measure.
According to the complaint, a Ganesh Visarjan procession that had started from Taland was passing through the road towards Bhatkal Railway Station after crossing the Gulmai Railway Bridge. During the procession, unidentified persons allegedly pelted stones at Masjid E Ismail Sunni Jamia Masjid and the adjoining Tajus Sunnah Arabic Madrasa.
The alleged stone pelting reportedly damaged window panes of the masjid and madrasa.
A complaint was subsequently filed at Bhatkal Town Police Station. The complaint alleges that the incident was intended to hurt religious sentiments and create hostility between communities. Police have begun investigating the allegations.
After news of the incident spread, a large number of people gathered outside the police station and demanded immediate action against those responsible. Police appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid any form of provocation.
Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. reached Bhatkal from Karwar after being informed about the incident and reviewed the situation. He assured those gathered that action would be taken against anyone found responsible in accordance with the law. He also appealed to the public to allow the police to complete their investigation.
Additional police personnel have been deployed around the masjid, madrasa and other sensitive locations. The situation is being monitored under the supervision of SP Deepan M.N., Additional SP G. Krishnamurthy and ASP Ranu Gupta. The investigation is being led by CPI Diwakar P.M. and PSI Naveen Naik.
Police said the situation remains under control and appealed to the public not to pay attention to rumours or unverified information. People have also been urged to cooperate with the authorities and maintain peace and communal harmony.