Bhatkal: Following a complaint filed by the PDO to the police station, officials removed an unauthorized Hanuman flag and a V D Savarkar nameplate, emblematic of Hindutva ideology, from the Tengingundi port in Heble Gram Panchayat late Wednesday night. This marks the second instance of such removal by the taluka administration.

Canara MP Ananthkumar Hegde, who had supported local BJP workers in hoisting the flag and Savarkar nameplate at the same location from where it was removed by Heble Panchayat on January 30 due to communal tensions, faced opposition leading to the flag and nameplate's removal.

After the complaint was lodged, accusing Hegde and 20 others of hurting religious sentiments and inciting communal tension, police swiftly acted to remove the board and flag late Wednesday night.

Following the removal of the unauthorized flag and nameplate, police have increased security measures at the location to maintain law and order. The situation in the area is reported to be calm and peaceful.