Tension gripped parts of Bagalkot district in Karnataka after a stone-pelting incident took place during a statue procession held as part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Jayanti celebrations. The incident was followed by an arson attack in which three vegetable pushcarts were set on fire. In response, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in specific areas to prevent further disturbance.

According to the police, the stone-pelting happened when the procession was passing near a mosque. Stones were pelting from one side while the procession was moving through the area. Police personnel present at the spot acted quickly. They intervened immediately and dispersed the people who had gathered there to stop the situation from escalating further.

Bagalkot Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal spoke about the incident and said that the procession had moved some distance ahead when the stones were thrown. He said, “When the procession was a little far, two stones came from one side.” He added that the police are currently reviewing video footage to identify where exactly the stones were thrown from. “After that the procession was completed peacefully. Currently, the situation is under control. A case has been registered. Investigation will take place from which side the stone came”, he said.

The police have registered a case in connection with the incident and are continuing their investigation. Officials are examining available video recordings to determine who was responsible and from where the stones originated. Authorities have stated that strict action will be taken once those involved are identified.

Soon after the stone-pelting incident, another troubling event occurred in the local market area. Unidentified miscreants allegedly set fire to three vegetable pushcarts. The carts were partially damaged in the blaze. Police teams rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the fire. They managed to douse the flames in time and prevented the fire from spreading further in the market area.

Security has since been increased in and around the market and other sensitive areas of the district to avoid any further incidents. Police are scanning CCTV footage from nearby locations to identify the individuals responsible for setting the carts on fire. SP Siddharth Goyal stated that action would be taken against the culprits once they are identified.

Following these incidents, prohibitory orders were imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in certain parts of the Bagalkot district. The order was issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Santosh Jagalasara. It will remain in effect from midnight on February 19 until midnight on February 24. The restrictions apply to the areas of Old Bagalkot, Navanagar, and Vidyagiri.

Under these orders, gatherings of more than four people in public places are strictly banned. Carrying weapons or any dangerous objects is also prohibited. Organising protests, meetings, or any form of public assembly without prior permission from the authorities is not allowed. The order further prohibits any activity that could disturb public peace. Officials have urged residents to cooperate with the administration and maintain calm during this period.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the stone-pelting incident and expressed concern over the disturbance caused during the Shivaji Jayanti procession. Calling the incident “deadly to society’s peace and harmony,” he assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible.

In a statement posted on X, the Chief Minister said he had spoken to senior police officials about the matter and instructed them to conduct an impartial investigation. He emphasised that the government would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt peace and harmony in the state. He also said some of the accused had already been arrested and were being interrogated.

Siddaramaiah said that ensuring a fearless and peaceful life for citizens remains the government’s top priority. He warned that any individual or group attempting to disrupt public tranquillity would not be tolerated. The Chief Minister also appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid reacting to provocations, and cooperate with the authorities. He assured that the police would perform their duties impartially and maintain law and order.

During the incident, one person was injured. The injured individual has been identified as Prakash Arakeri. He sustained a head injury after being struck by a stone during the procession. He was shifted to a private hospital in Bagalkot for medical treatment. Officials have not reported any other serious injuries so far.

At present, the police have stated that the situation is under control. However, investigations into both the stone-pelting incident and the arson attack are ongoing. Authorities continue to monitor the affected areas closely to ensure that peace is maintained and no further disturbances take place.