Massive protest seeks action over unrest during procession at Bagalkot

Bagalkot: Bagalkot witnessed a massive protest in Navanagar, where members of Hindu Samrakshana Samiti and other affiliated groups staged a demonstration in front of the district administrative complex. The protesters demanded that the controversial Pankha Mosque be sealed and its management committee members be arrested following alleged stone-pelting and footwear-throwing at a Shivaji Jayanti procession recently. The organisers gave a 15-day deadline to the district administration, warning of intensified agitation if action is not taken within the stipulated period.Despite police advisories discouraging public participation, thousands gathered at the protest venue, raising slogans and expressing anger over the incident. Leaders on the dais criticised the district administration and police department, accusing them of failing to act. They cautioned that the administration would be held responsible for any further escalation if prompt measures are not initiated.
Ullas, a state leader of Hindu Jagaran Vedike (HJV), alleged that similar incidents have been recurring over the past two years, and blamed the state govt's alleged inaction for emboldening miscreants. He referred to earlier disturbances during religious processions elsewhere the state and argued that strict measures at that time could have prevented the present situation in Bagalkot.Advocate Prashant Pawar criticised the police for allegedly not registering an FIR within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, as required by law. He alleged that notices were being served indiscriminately while those responsible for stone-pelting were being protected. Drawing a comparison with police action during the violence in DJ Halli and KJ Halli in Bengaluru, he questioned "selective enforcement". He further accused the authorities of suppressing dissent by filing cases against speakers and branding their speeches as provocative.HJV north zone co-convener Shrikant Hosakere reiterated the 15-day deadline, and warned that the community would respond strongly if their demands are ignored.MLA Aravind Bellad, MP P C Gaddigoudar, Rajya Sabha member Narayan Bhandage, and other legislators and local leaders attended the protest. District officials, including the DC and other senior officers, arrived at the venue to receive a memorandum from the protesters.Speakers at the event voiced strong criticism of the state govt and police, demanding immediate action against those allegedly involved in the incident. The protest concluded with organisers reiterating their resolve to continue the agitation until their demands are met.