Mangaluru district tense after communal violence, 6 held
- In Reports
- 11:35 AM, Sep 17, 2024
- Myind Staff
Tensions gripped Mangaluru district in Karnataka on Monday, a day after stones were allegedly thrown at a mosque in Katipalla. Six people were arrested in connection with the incident.
The incident occurred on the eve of Eid-e-Milad on Sunday, when some miscreants on two motorcycles reportedly threw stones at the mosque, breaking its window panes, according to a complaint filed by mosque president KH Abdul Rahiman.
“Due to quick action, the situation was brought under control and no untoward incidents were reported in the area,” police officers said, adding that police deployment in the area has been bolstered.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Bharat Shetty (26), Chennappa Shivananad Chalavadi (19), Nitin Hadap (22), Sujit Shetty (23), Anappa alias Manu (24), and Preetham Shetty (34).
Additionally, a separate case has been filed against VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell and Bajrang Dal’s Puneeth Attavar due to an exchange of provocative statements between two groups on social media, which led to a large gathering of people.
People gathered in the area after an alleged voice message from Mohammed Sharief, former president of Bantwal Town Municipal Council, in which he reportedly "challenged" Sharan Pumpwell to "face them during the Eid-e-Milad procession," according to officials.
Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal stated that those responsible for posting inflammatory content on social media would be held accountable.
“We are actively monitoring social media platforms,” Agarwal said.
Police reported that four cases have been registered in connection with the incidents. Cases have been filed against Mohammed Sharief and Mohammad Hasainar, a councillor of the Bantwal Town Municipal Council. Alongside, two cases have also been registered against Sharan Pumpwell and Puneeth Attavar.
Karnataka minister and Congress leader MC Sudhakar remarked that political motives often influence communal tensions in Mangaluru.
“Mangaluru has always been a hot spot for communal politics. This unrest is not surprising,” he said and attributed the current tensions to a small group of miscreants from different religious communities.
“On every minor issue, you’ll see someone associated with the RSS or another group stirring tensions. Miscreants exist in every religion, and they are responsible for creating these problems,” the political leader added further.
To prevent any further violence during the ongoing Eid-e-Milad celebrations, the Rapid Action Force has been deployed in Mangaluru.
Superintendent of Police Yatish N assured the public that the authorities have taken all necessary measures to ensure peace.
“We have implemented adequate security arrangements across the district to ensure no untoward incidents take place. Legal action will be taken against anyone disrupting peace,” he said.
A 48-hour liquor ban was also imposed here.
Meanwhile, some Muslim men allegedly held a motorcycle rally on BC Road as part of the Eid-e-Milad celebrations.
This took place shortly after members of the Bajrang Dal and other Hindutva groups had dispersed, following a three-hour demonstration in the morning.
The Eid-e-Milad procession, originally planned to pass through BC Road Town, was rerouted to inner roads based on the advice of local leaders, officials said.
These incidents follow recent violence in Mandya district during a Bhagwan Ganesha idol procession. According to police, tensions escalated when an argument broke out between two groups as the procession reached a place of worship. Miscreants reportedly threw stones, which led to clashes, vandalism of shops, and burning of vehicles.
Police used mild force to disperse the crowd and manage the situation and 46 people were arrested in connection with the violence.
Image source: ANI
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