Tension prevailed in Karnataka’s Bhatkal town of Uttara Kannada district after unidentified persons allegedly pelted stones at the Ismail Sunni Jamiya Mosque and the Tajus-Sunna Arabic Madrasa during a Ganesh idol immersion procession on Wednesday night. The incident reportedly occurred on Gulmi Railway Station Road as the procession, which had started from Taland, was moving towards the railway station. According to a police complaint, two windowpanes of the mosque building were damaged in the incident, prompting local resident Abdul Alim to seek strict action against those responsible.
Following the incident, a large number of local Muslims gathered outside the Bhatkal Town Police Station demanding the immediate arrest of those involved. Senior police officials held discussions with the protesters and assured them that a thorough investigation would be carried out. Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan MN visited the spot, inspected the damaged premises, interacted with residents, and assured the public that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice, after which the gathering dispersed peacefully.
Police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage along with other evidence to identify the suspects and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged stone-pelting. Additional police personnel have been deployed across Bhatkal as a precautionary measure, while senior officers continue to monitor the situation closely. Authorities have appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading unverified information, stating that the investigation will establish whether the incident was deliberate and appropriate legal action will be taken based on the evidence.
