Karwar, 25 May 

The situation remained peaceful in Bhatkal town of Uttara Kannada district on Monday, a day after tension flared over the reconstruction of a religious platform. Heavy police force has been deployed and prohibitory orders enforced as a precautionary measure, officials said.

Tension had broken out on Sunday after a dispute over a “Moori Katte” — a religious platform — at Jagate Katte in Bhatkal.

The structure, which had been removed earlier during National Highway widening works, was recently reconstructed on land belonging to the National Highway Authority.

This triggered strong opposition from members of a minority community, who demanded its removal.

According to police, a group of people gathered at the spot and attempted to demolish the reconstructed platform. During the ensuing commotion, some persons allegedly assaulted police personnel who were trying to maintain order.

Four cases have been registered in connection with the incident — one for blocking vehicles on the highway, one for assault on police personnel, one for causing injury to the public, and another for spreading false information and provocation through social media.

“The situation is peaceful right now. We have sufficient force deployed here. We have nine Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons deployed here. Along with that, we have six District Armed Reserve (DAR) units as well. Apart from this, over 300 officers and staff from within and outside the district have been deployed for bandobast duty,” Superintendent of Police, Uttara Kannada, Deepan MN told reporters here.

He added that continuous patrolling has been arranged across the town, and Special Action Force units have also been deployed as a precautionary measure.

“For the next two days, including today, Section 163 (curfew) BNSS has been imposed, and announcements have been made regarding the restrictions. Strict action will be taken against those violating the orders,” the SP said.

Police have identified persons who were involved in the attack on policemen on Sunday night, and efforts are being made to nab them.

The district administration and police are maintaining a close watch on the situation to prevent any untoward incident.

Authorities have appealed to people to maintain peace and not spread rumours on social media.

The incident has drawn attention as Bhatkal has a history of communal sensitivity, and the administration is keen to ensure the dispute does not escalate further.

District in-charge minister Mankal Vaidya, who is on the rounds, told reporters that this was an unexpected incident and had escalated far too fast and towards a confrontation.

"But, due to the police intervention, peace has returned to the town, we are working towards the formation of a peace committee and a peace meeting sometime in the midweek," he said.

Hindutva activists from Bajrang Dal, Hindu Yuva Vedike, Hindu Jagarana Samithi and other Hindu outfits have condemned the incident and attacks on the policemen and appealed to the police not to spare perpetrators of the attacks.