Bhatkal (Karnataka) [India], September 17 : Tension prevailed in Karnataka's Bhatkal after alleged stone-pelting incidents were reported during a Ganesh immersion procession on Wednesday night, with police registering two FIRs based on complaints from both sides.
According to a complaint lodged by local resident Abdul Alim, stones were allegedly hurled at the Ismail Sunni Jamiya Mosque and Tajusunna Arabic Madrasa on Railway Station Road in Gulmi, damaging two windowpanes.
A counter-complaint was also filed alleging that stones were pelted at the Ganesh procession while it was passing through the same stretch. The procession had started from Talanda and was heading towards the immersion point via Gulmi.
Bhatkal Town Police registered cases based on both complaints and have launched an investigation into the incident.
North Canara Superintendent of Police Deepan M N visited the spot and assured residents that those responsible would be identified and arrested. Additional police force has been deployed in the area to maintain law and order as the investigation continues.
Reacting to the incident, BJP leader Mahesh Tenginkai said the stone-pelting incident during the Ganpati festival should be dealt with firmly and urged the state government and police to take action against those involved.
Speaking to ANI, Mahesh Tenginkai said, “Regarding the stone-pelting incident that occurred yesterday during the Ganpati festival in Bhatkal: such incidents tend to escalate when the state government's law and order situation collapses. I wish to address Priyank Kharge regarding this. You speak on various subjects daily, often about the Sangh or other diverse topics, but I urge you first to take action against the anti-social elements involved in these incidents. The police should be given a free hand to curb such activities during the Ganpati festival. I strongly urge you to apprehend everyone identified as having participated in the stone-pelting.”