Tension was reported in Bhatkal town of Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district after unidentified people allegedly threw stones at a mosque and an Arabic madrasa during a Ganesh idol immersion procession on Wednesday night, September 16.
The incident took place on Gulmi Railway Station Road when a public Ganesh procession was passing through the area. The procession had started from Taland and was moving towards the railway station after crossing the Gulmi railway bridge.
According to a complaint filed at Bhatkal Town Police Station, stones were allegedly thrown at the Ismail Sunni Jamiya Mosque and the Tajus Sunna Arabic Madrasa, which operates on the ground floor of the building.
Two windowpanes were reportedly damaged in the incident.
Muslims Gather Outside Police Station
Following the alleged stone-pelting, local Muslims gathered outside the police station and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Police officials spoke to the gathering and assured them that an investigation would be conducted and that those involved would be identified and arrested based on the evidence.
After receiving information about the incident, Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan MN visited the location and inspected the affected building. He also spoke with residents and reviewed the situation.
The SP assured locals that necessary action would be taken after identifying those responsible. The gathering later dispersed from outside the police station.
CCTV Footage Being Examined
Police have launched an investigation into the alleged incident and are examining CCTV footage and other available evidence.
Officials are also collecting information about the procession’s route and the circumstances surrounding the alleged stone-pelting.
Additional police personnel have been deployed in Bhatkal as a precautionary measure. Senior officers are monitoring the situation to prevent any further disturbance.
Police have appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation continues.
