Tensions flared in Karnataka’s Belagavi district on Monday morning after three copies of the Holy Quran and Hadith were discovered burnt in a field near Santi Bastawad village. The religious texts had been taken from a nearby mosque under construction, where they were kept on the ground floor used for prayers. The disturbing discovery triggered immediate unrest among local Muslims, leading to a large-scale protest demanding swift police action and the arrest of those responsible within two days.

Hundreds of protesters, including youth and community members, marched approximately 8 kilometers from Santi Bastawad to Rani Chennamma Circle, chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” As tension escalated, authorities blocked roads leading to the area to maintain order. The nearly hour-long protest resulted in traffic congestion on several major routes. Leaders from all communities later convened a peace meeting, strongly condemning the act and urging authorities to act decisively.

Police officials, including Belagavi Police Commissioner Iada Martin and DCP Rohan Jagadish, rushed to the scene and enforced heavy security measures. A case was registered at the Rural police station, and investigation teams were formed. Authorities revealed that the building’s CCTV camera had been removed for repair on the day of the incident, raising concerns about sabotage. This incident comes on the heels of earlier communal unrest in the village, following a controversial interfaith relationship in February.