Tension gripped the Bhatkal on Sunday evening after a newly reconstructed Murinkatte close to the Venkatapur NH 66  was vandalised by a Muslim mob on Sunday night. The incident led to protests, arguments at the spot, and police intervention as authorities tried to prevent the situation from escalating further.

According to local sources, the location had a small shrine for many years. However, the structure was removed a few months ago due to ongoing road widening. On Sunday morning, members of some Hindu organisations reportedly rebuilt the structure at the same site. This immediately triggered objections from sections of the local Muslim community, who questioned the reconstruction and demanded that the structure be removed.

As tensions continued to rise during the day, a group of Muslim youths gathered near the disputed site by Sunday evening. The youths allegedly attempted to dismantle the newly rebuilt structure. Police personnel had already been deployed in the area due to the sensitive nature of the dispute. A heated argument reportedly broke out between the youths and the police officers present at the spot.

Four years ago, the centuries-old structure, which used to be the place where devotees used to perform rituals for Goddess Mariamma, was removed with a promise to reconstruct the structure at the same spot.

Despite repeated appeals and requests to government authorities to rebuild the structure, no concrete action was initiated. The place has been a matter of faith. The issue became contentious after a member of the Muslim community began to encroach on the land and construct the house. On Sunday morning, Hindu activists started reconstruction at the site with traditional prayers. The structure remained intact in the morning amid tight security arrangements.

Sources said the situation worsened when some youths allegedly tried to push police personnel during the confrontation. With tensions increasing and the crowd becoming difficult to control, the police stepped in and carried out a mild lathi charge to disperse the gathering. The action helped authorities bring the situation under control before it could escalate further.

The developments drew sharp reactions from Hindu organisations in the region. Govind Naik, a BJP functionary associated with the Hindu Jagarana Vedike, strongly criticised the incident. Referring to the timing of the unrest, he stated that it occurred at a moment when the town was already grieving a major tragedy. He said, “the incident occurred at a time when the entire town was mourning the tragic death of 10 people who drowned in a stream at Alvekodi in Bhatkal.”

Naik further alleged that certain miscreants were trying to disturb communal harmony in the area. He announced that Hindu organisations would stage a protest on Monday against the actions that took place near the disputed site. Hindu groups also organised a dharna late on Sunday night to express their anger over the incident. Another protest is expected to take place later on Monday.

Following the clash-like situation, police and district authorities significantly increased security arrangements in the communally sensitive area. A heavy police deployment was made around the disputed site, which is located along National Highway 66. Officials maintained a close watch throughout the night to avoid any fresh incidents. Though the atmosphere remained tense, authorities stated that the situation was under control.

Police and district officials also appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid reacting to rumours or provocative messages. Authorities urged people not to circulate unverified information that could create panic or worsen tensions in the area. Efforts were continued throughout the evening to restore normalcy and ensure that no further confrontation took place between the two communities.

In response to the growing tension, the Uttara Kannada district administration imposed prohibitory orders within the limits of Bhatkal Municipality and Jali Town Panchayat under Section 163 of the BNSS. Officials announced that the restrictions would remain in force from 6 am on May 25 until 6 am on May 27.

Under the prohibitory orders, public gatherings, protests, and activities that may disturb peace have been banned during the period. The administration stated that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the order. Authorities said the restrictions were necessary to maintain law and order and prevent the communal situation from worsening.

The incident has once again highlighted the sensitive nature of communal issues in Bhatkal, where authorities often maintain strict vigilance during disputes linked to religious matters. With protests planned by Hindu organisations and security tightened across the town, officials remain on alert to ensure peace is maintained over the coming days.