Bhatkal: Police deployed additional personnel in Bhatkal after a mosque was allegedly targeted with stone-pelting during a Ganesh procession in the Gulmi area on the road leading towards the railway station on Wednesday night. Police have registered a case against unidentified persons in connection with the incident.
According to sources, a Ganesh procession began from Talaand at around 10 pm for idol immersion and proceeded along the railway station road towards a canal in the area. During the procession, some miscreants allegedly pelted stones at Masjid-e-Ismail located along the route. The incident damaged the mosque’s windows, with several glass panes reportedly shattered.
Police rushed additional personnel to the spot soon after receiving information about the incident and brought the situation under control. A mosque committee member told SahilOnline that the stone-pelting caused damage to the mosque, particularly its window panes. He said police had registered a case against unidentified persons and that some people had been taken to the police station for questioning. He also said police had video footage related to the stone-pelting.
As news of the incident spread, hundreds of people gathered outside the Bhatkal Town Police Station, demanding that a case be registered against those responsible and that legal action be taken. Police appealed to the people to maintain peace and avoid any action that could disturb law and order.
Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. reached Bhatkal from Karwar after being informed of the incident and reviewed the situation. He appealed to the public to maintain peace and said legal action would be taken against those responsible for the incident. Bhatkal ASP and other senior police officials were also present.
The situation is currently under control, with additional police personnel deployed at the spot and other sensitive locations as a precautionary measure. Police are investigating the incident.