Stone pelting mars Shivaji Jayanti procession in Bagalkot; bandh warning issued

Bagalkot: A Shivaji Jayanti procession in Bagalkot’s Killa Oni locality was disrupted on Thursday after miscreants allegedly hurled stones and footwear at participants, triggering tension and protests in parts of the town.

The procession, organised to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was passing near a mosque when two stones and a slipper were reportedly thrown. A police personnel and Hindu activist Prakash Arakeri were injured in the incident.

Arakeri sustained a head injury and was admitted to a private hospital for treatment. Bagalkot SP Siddharth Goel confirmed that the situation is under control. “There was no damage to the portrait or the general public.

A stone hit a police personnel. We are reviewing video footage and will take strict action against those responsible,” he said, adding that there is no immediate evidence suggesting a communal motive.

Following the incident, groups of youth gathered on roads condemning the attack and demanding immediate arrests. Protesters insisted that the accused be identified without delay and sought the presence of senior police officials at the spot.

Although police persuaded them to disperse, some Hindu organisations warned of calling for a Bagalkot bandh if swift action is not taken. Amid the unrest, miscreants reportedly set ablaze three pushcarts belonging to vegetable vendors in the local market.

Police personnel at the scene managed to extinguish the flames. Affected vendor Jannatbi Doddamani said her livelihood had been severely impacted as cash and equipment were destroyed.

To prevent further escalation, authorities have increased security around sensitive locations including Panka Mosque and Kottaleshwara Temple. Police personnel have been deployed in large numbers across key junctions.

The administration has also imposed prohibitory orders in Old Bagalkot, Navanagar and Vidyagiri until February 24 midnight, restricting public gatherings and protest activities.

Officials have urged citizens to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement while investigations continue.

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