Bhatkal (Uttara Kannada district): The communally sensitive Bhatkal town witnessed some tense moments on Wednesday night, following stone-pelting incidents during a Ganesha idol immersion procession.
Two groups staged separate protests in front of the town police station of Thursday.
School gives students hands-on paddy farming experience in Karnataka's BhatkalAccording to sources, unidentified people threw stones at Ismail Sunni Jamiya masjid at Gulmi area during the Ganesha idol immersion procession. Sources said window panes of the masjid were damaged in the incident.
Meanwhile, those in the procession alleged that a few miscreants hurled stones at the procession to disrupt peace.
After receiving information about the tension, police rushed to the spot, along with additional personnel and brought the situation under control. Following the incident, the police detained several people for questioning. The Bhatkal police have registered a case against unidentified people.
The Hindu outfit leaders on Thursday alleged that the police had arrested innocent people who were in no way connected with the incident. BJP leader Govind Naik said minors were used to disturb peace. "Those who pelted stones on the procession should be arrested," he demanded.
Uttara Kannada SP Deepan M N visited Bhatkal and took stock of the situation. He appealed to people to maintain peace and said action would be taken against those responsible.
Bhatkal Sub-inspector arrested on charges of raping minor girlAdditional police personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas of the town as a precaution.