Six individuals have been arrested in connection with the recent communal violence in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, following an incident of stone-pelting at two places of worship. The arrests come as authorities respond to escalating tensions in the region.
The disturbances began late on Sunday night in Katipalla town, located on the outskirts of Mangaluru. According to police reports, a group of individuals on motorcycles threw stones at the Majeedulla Huda Juma Masjid in Katipalla’s 3rd Block. The swift intervention of law enforcement contained the situation, and no further incidents were reported.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal confirmed the arrests of Bharath Shetty, Chennappa, Nithin, Sujith Shetty, Annappa, and Preetham Shetty. “The suspects have been charged with pelting stones at the mosque, and an investigation is currently underway,” Agrawal stated.
In response to the unrest, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan has imposed a 48-hour ban on the sale of alcohol within the Bantwal Town Municipal Council limits. The ban, effective immediately, was enacted to prevent further violence and maintain public order. “The decision was made following protests by Hindu groups over an alleged viral audio clip that heightened tensions in the area,” Muhilan explained. Liquor shops and bars within the affected area will remain closed until further notice.
The protests, organized by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, resulted in a minor scuffle with the police. The demonstration was in response to a social media post that the groups claimed was inflammatory.
Reacting to the situation, Karnataka Minister and Congress leader MC Sudhakar commented, “Mangaluru has a history of communal issues, and it’s not surprising to see such tensions flare up. The politics here often revolve around communal matters, and groups linked to the RSS or other organizations frequently stir up trouble. It’s important to remember that miscreants exist in every religion, and they are responsible for creating these conflicts.”
Sources By Agencies
