Bhatkal: Seven minor schoolboys were detained on Monday night following allegations of stone-pelting at non-Muslim houses in the Belur area of Murdeshwar.
The incident occurred around 10 pm, after which local residents along with activists of Sangh Parivar organisations gathered outside the police station and staged a protest, demanding that a case be registered and strict action be taken against the boys. The situation remained tense for some time.
According to sources, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. rushed to Murdeshwar from Karwar in view of the sensitivity of the situation and assured the agitating crowd that action would be taken in accordance with the law, following which the situation was brought under control.
According to family members, the seven boys — all students of the same high school class — had stepped out to attend Taraweeh prayers during Ramzan when they were taken to the police station in connection with the alleged incident. The families said they were unaware of the circumstances that led to the accusations.
Police officials stated that as all the accused are minors, they were shifted to a designated facility as per legal procedure instead of being detained at the police station. Medical examination has reportedly confirmed that some of the boys were under the influence of intoxicants.
All seven minors are scheduled to be produced before the juvenile court in Karwar on Tuesday evening for further legal proceedings, police sources added.