Viral Video Sparked Murin Katte Tension, Over 300 Police Deployed in Bhatkal, Says SP
SP says a viral video led to crowd gathering near Murin Katte, while over 300 police personnel have been deployed to maintain peace in Bhatkal.
Bhatkal: Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police M. Narayana Deepak has clarified that the original Murin Katte structure has not been damaged and remains at its existing location.
Speaking about the incident, the SP said Murin Katte had to be shifted because its present location falls in the middle of road. He said widening work and safety concerns, including the possibility of accidents, made relocation necessary.
According to the SP, local officials and concerned persons had identified nearby government land close to the NHAI right of way. Construction of a small platform for shifting the structure began on the morning of May 24.
He said the work remained incomplete because of rain. Later in the evening, a WhatsApp video went viral, after which a group gathered at the location and allegedly damaged the newly built platform.
The SP clearly stated that the original Murin Katte was not disturbed.
“The original Murin Katte is intact and remains in the same place. Police bandobast has been provided there,” he said.
He added that only the small stone platform built for the proposed shifting was damaged.
The SP said four cases have already been registered at Bhatkal Town Police Station in connection with the incident. These include a case related to assault on police, a case over obstruction on the highway, a complaint filed by an injured person, and a case linked to the viral social media message that allegedly called people to gather at the site.
He said legal action would be taken as per law.
The SP also said the situation was brought under control late at night after police officers spoke to people and dispersed the crowd.
Additional security has now been deployed in Bhatkal. According to the SP, nine KSRP platoons, six DAR teams and more than 300 police personnel from the district and outside districts are present in the area.
He said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS have already been imposed, and police are making announcements through patrolling teams across the town.
The SP appealed to the public to remain peaceful and calm. He said police are also working through local beat staff to spread the message and prevent any further tension.
He also warned against false information on social media, saying there is confusion being spread that Murin Katte itself was destroyed. He repeated that the original structure has not been damaged and remains protected.
He said the district administration would discuss the next steps after speaking to all concerned parties.