More than 200 people were detained by police in Karnataka’s Hubballi on Saturday after protests erupted over the construction of a concrete road at the Bhavani Shankar Temple’s Pushkarini (temple tank). Authorities had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) ahead of the demonstration, preventing protesters from marching towards the temple. Police intercepted the procession in Channapet, Old Hubballi, and took the demonstrators into custody to prevent any escalation of the situation.

Among those detained were BJP MLAs Arvind Bellad and Mahesh Tenginakai, Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik, and several leaders associated with various Hindu organisations. The protesters demanded the removal of the recently constructed concrete road, claiming it was built over a part of the traditional temple tank. However, the demand has reportedly faced opposition from local residents who support retaining the road, leading to growing tensions in the area.

Police said the restrictions were imposed purely to maintain law and order in view of the protest call. Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar stated that preventive measures, including the enforcement of Section 163 of the BNSS, were necessary to avoid any untoward incidents. While the protesters raised slogans against the police action after being stopped, officials confirmed that the situation remained under control and security has been tightened in and around the temple area.