Two people, including a police constable, were injured when stones were thrown at a procession marking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary in Bagalkot on Thursday. The incident occurred near a mosque, briefly escalating tensions before police restored order. Authorities have imposed restrictions and booked suspects under relevant laws.
The procession, which started around 3:00 pm in the Killa locality of Bagalkot with official permission, was disrupted as it passed a mosque. Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal, who was at the scene, reported that two stones were thrown from a distance toward the accompanying officers. "The procession began around 3:00 pm (on Thursday). As it approached the mosque, two stones were thrown from a distance toward us (police)," Goyal told reporters on Friday.
Police intervened swiftly, dispersing the crowd and controlling the situation, though two individuals, including one constable, sustained injuries. Participants in the procession continued with drums and pro-Hindu slogans without responding to the pelting, according to officials reviewing CCTV footage. Hindu Jagarana Vedike district president Kumaraswamy Hiremath claimed that not only stones but also footwear were thrown at the group.
The unrest extended to a nearby market, where three vegetable carts were set ablaze. Police extinguished the fire, but one vendor reported losses of goods and cash. In response, authorities issued prohibitory orders in areas such as Old Bagalkot, Navanagar, and Vidyagiri.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described the event as unfortunate and urged citizens to maintain peace and unity. "The incident of stone pelting in Bagalkot is unfortunate. I appeal to all citizens to maintain peace and unity," he said. State Excise Minister RB Timmapur, in charge of the district, noted that officials informed him of two miscreants responsible and assured appropriate action.
Opposition Leader R Ashoka criticized the state government, alleging restrictions on Hindu practices and questioning the handling of the incident. The accused have been charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, including 189 for unlawful assembly, 191 for rioting, 194 for affray, 192 for provoking a riot, and 196 for promoting enmity between groups.